Forensic evidence collection and DNA identification in acute child sexual assault
Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pediatrics
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe forensic evidence findings and reevaluate previous
recommendations with respect to timing of evidence collection in
acute child sexual assault and to identify factors associated with yield
of DNA. This was a retrospective review of medical and legal records
of patients aged 0 to 20 years who required forensic evidence
collection. Ninety-seven of 388 (25%) processed evidence-collection
kits were positive and 63 (65%) of them produced identifiable DNA.
There were 20 positive samples obtained from children younger than
10 years; 17 of these samples were obtained from children seen within
24 hours of the assault. Three children had positive body samples
beyond 24 hours after the assault, including 1 child positive for salivary
amylase in the underwear and on the thighs 54 hours after the assault.
DNA was found in 11 children aged younger than 10 years, including the
child seen 54 hours after the assault. Collection of evidence within 24
hours of the assault was identified as an independent predictor of DNA
detection. Identifiable DNA was collected from a child’s body despite
cases in which: evidence collection was performed 24 hours
beyond the assault; the child had a normal/nonacute anogenital examination;
there was no reported history of ejaculation; and the victim
had bathed and/or changed clothes before evidence collection. Failure
to conduct evidence collection on prepubertal children beyond 24
hours after the assault will result in rare missed opportunities to
identify forensic evidence, including identification of DNA.
Description
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Article
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Keywords
sexual abuse, child abuse, diagnosis, evidence collection
Citation
Thackeray, J. D., Hornor, G., Benzinger, E. A., & Scribano, P. V. (2011). Forensic evidence collection and DNA identification in acute child sexual assault. Pediatrics, 128(2), 227- 232.