If the finger marks are on one side, look for the thumb mark on the other side. Repeat the sequence with the ALP source and appropriate filters with the room lights out. If UV photography is a consideration, change to 3200 ASA black and white film and repeat the sequence with a UV source. Bracket these shots extensively. The methods discussed above have been employed for the last year in casework and are the result of extensive literature review and research on how to best represent the victims of domestic violence.
All cases are by appointment to contain the labor costs.
The methods have found application not only to spousal abuse or child abuse, but also to rape victims and homicide victims prior to autopsy and homicide suspects to document their injuries or lack of injuries. These techniques could be applied to elder abuse and fatal traffic accidents to identify the driver. Most of the domestic abuse cases that have been photographed in the laboratory have been prosecuted or resolved in a positive manner. This is a direct reversal to the national statistics associated with domestic violence. One surprise that has occurred is the upgrade of charges when ligature marks can be documented.