Biological Evidence Management for DNA Analysis in Cases of Sexual Assault

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Magalhães, T (Author) Other; Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP; Silva, B (Author) Other; Corte Real, F (Author) Other; Nuno Vieira, D (Author) Other

Journal

Title: The Scientific World Journal

Vol. 2015

Pages: 1-11

ISSN: 2356-6140

Publisher: Hindawi

Indexing

Scopus - 32 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00G-X2B

DOI: 10.1155/2015/365674

Abstract (EN): Biological evidence with forensic interest may be found in several cases of assault, being particularly relevant if sexually related. Sexual assault cases are characterized by low rates of disclosure, reporting, prosecution, and conviction. Biological evidence is sometimes the only way to prove the occurrence of sexual contact and to identify the perpetrator. The major focus of this review is to propose practical approaches and guidelines to help health, forensic, and law enforcement professionals to deal with biological evidence for DNA analysis. Attention should be devoted to avoiding contamination, degradation, and loss of biological evidence, as well as respecting specific measures to properly handle evidence (i.e., selection, collection, packing, sealing, labeling, storage, preservation, transport, and guarantee of the chain custody). Biological evidence must be carefully managed since the relevance of any finding in Forensic Genetics is determined, in the first instance, by the integrity and quantity of the samples submitted for analysis. © 2015 Teresa Magalhães et al.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific