Defence wounds and assessment of the circumstances of injury
THE CONTEXT
The circumstances of injury are assessed from wound features, the suspected weapon and the scene. Defence wounds reflect the victim's immediate, instinctive attempts at protection.
Assessment of wound circumstances
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Useful factors include the nature, direction, extent and situation of wounds; foreign matter within the wound or at its margins; the suspected weapon or instrument; and the scene of the crime.
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A moving sharp object striking a person may produce a stab wound.
Types of defence wounds
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Active defence wounds occur when the victim tries to grasp the weapon.
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Passive defence wounds occur when the victim raises the hands, arms or legs.
Distribution and associated injuries
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During a blunt assault, victims may raise their arms, flex their elbows and cover the head and neck, or attempt to grasp the weapon.
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Bruises and abrasions may involve the extensor or ulnar forearms, wrists, backs of the hands, knuckles and lateral or posterior upper arms. Carpal bones, metacarpals and digits may fracture.
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Defence wounds rarely involve the shins and feet when a victim lying on the ground, usually face up, kicks at the assailant.
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Curling into a ball to protect the anterior body and genitals can expose the arms, posterior lower limbs and back to injury.
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Raising a thigh or bringing one leg across the other may expose the outer side to blows and kicks. Bruise size and shape depend on the attacking object.