Bite, kiss marks, bruises and suction ecchymosis are among the important finding that should be considered and documented in sexual assault examinations. Although these lesions are most commonly found in the vaginal areas following sexual assault, they can also appear in non-genital organs. In cases of suspected sexual assault, correctly identifying and interpreting non-genital injuries can be critical to the case and provide considerable evidence in support of the victim. It is known that some victims of sexual assault may not have any traumatic lesions or may sustain minor injuries. Even minor lesions might be quite relevant on a case-by-case basis and must be documented. While certain injuries may be intended to physically incapacitate the victim, others, such as bite marks or suction ecchymosis, may be sexually motivated. Although it is rare, it may also occur as part of a sadomasochistic ritual.
In sexual assaults, bite marks and suction ecchymosis are more frequently seen on the arms of men than women, and more frequently on the breasts of women than men. However, it may cause lesions in various parts of the body, such as ecchymosis, hematoma, and contusion. Non-genital injuries must be evaluated in detail and correctly identified, taking into account the anamnesis given by the person. Although it does not cause a high degree of harm to the person in terms of physical injury, the harmony of the lesions formed with the person’s statements can contribute significantly to the judicial process. Lesions that occur after bites and sucking/suckling are most commonly seen on the breasts and nipples, but can also be seen on the neck, shoulders, thighs, abdomen, pubis, and even the vulva.
In the literature, these lesions caused by suction are referred to as “love bites.” These lesions may develop in both sexual assaults and intense sexual intercourse. If the victim’s anamnesis includes a bite, or sucking/suckling, or if a lesion that appears to be compatible with a bite or sucking/suckling is discovered during the examination, taking a sample from the victim to study the perpetrator’s DNA may be critical in resolving the case. In such instances, the naked eye may be insufficient to evaluate biting and sucking/suckling injuries due to ambient light and the fact that the lesions are still healing in late applications and cannot be fully identified. In such circumstances, while evaluating, employing SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems that provide light in multiple reflections rather than the naked eye and ambient light is critical since they are capable of imaging up to the dermis layer beneath the skin, which substantially aids in the detection of lesions. It is critical to employ SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging systems in order to provide several reflections for detecting wounds as well as to detect the perpetrator’s body fluids on the victim. Detecting and recording body fluids that cannot be seen with the naked eye following an examination via SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems and subsequently collecting samples to investigate the perpetrator’s DNA is critical in many cases.
Figure 1: Bite marks and suction ecchymosis with flourescence on the left upper side of neck, captured under D1 filter of SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems
Figure 2: Bite marks under the left side of chin, captured under D2 filter of SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems
Figure 3: Suction ecchymosis on the right upper side of neck, captured under green light filter of SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems
Figure 4: Suction ecchymosis on the right side of neck, captured under white polarized light of SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems
Figure 5: Suction ecchymosis and abrasions on the right side of neck, captured under white light of SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Imaging Systems
