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Forensic assessment of survived strangulation
T Plattner1, S Bolliger, U Zollinger
1Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Berne, Bühlstrasse 20, 3012 Berne, Switzerland. plattner@irm.unibe.ch
Forensic Science International
|September 6, 2005
Summary
Forensic analysis of 134 survived strangulation cases revealed that victim findings correlate with assault severity. A practical three-degree classification system for strangulation severity was proposed based on objective medical evidence.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Pathology
- Traumatology
Background:
- Strangulation is a significant cause of injury and death.
- Objective criteria for evaluating survived strangulation cases are crucial for legal and medical purposes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if findings and symptoms in survived strangulation victims correlate with assault intensity and strangulation method.
- To establish objective evaluation criteria for survived strangulation cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 134 survived strangulation cases examined between 1987 and 2002.
- Review of written reports, photographs, and sketches from forensic medical examinations.
Main Results:
- Findings and symptoms reflected assault severity in 71% of cases, showing a spectrum from minor injuries to severe trauma.
- Manual strangulation cases showed a distinct pattern of findings compared to other strangulation methods.
- A three-degree severity classification (Light, Moderate, Severe) was proposed based on objective findings like skin abrasions, bruising, laryngeal damage, and petechial hemorrhages.
Conclusions:
- Victim findings in strangulation cases are indicative of assault intensity and method.
- A practical, objective classification system for survived strangulation can aid forensic medical evaluations.
- Prompt and thorough forensic examination is essential for accurate case assessment.