Photographing injuries

[pfabc123]

My partner was a victim of a domestic violating predator for over 4 years. After another foyr years on the run and moving 4 more times she decided to press charges and he is now awaiting sentence on the 29th of this month. The monster pleaded guilty. Fortunately for my partner the written medical evidence that detailed each injury was overwhelming. I believe that with technology today hospitals dental surgeries, walk in centres and GP surgeries should always photograph injuries that have occured to preserve evidence for possible future convictions. In terms of a future judge and jury deciding the fate of a violent perpatrator the old saying of "people are more likely to believe what they see rather than what they hear" i think is true. Obviously there would be consent issues on the part of the victim but i personally think it would also help the police in terms of positive policing. I also believe that the likes of Baby P would have stood a better chance of surviving along with all of the other kids that are currently being hurt. Any thoughts as to how this could be taken forward or not?

[squarebear]

In the cases of child injuries though, who would give consent? The parents? They may be the ones causing the injuries and would certainly not agree to any evidence against them.

[pfabc123]

Hi Squarebear. Its a tricky one but would think that the best way forward would be for the hospital doctor etc to tell the parent that they were obliged to take the photograph due to child safety prevention. If the parent then says no I think that social services should be informed and the notes at the doctors or hospital should reflect that the parent did not consent. Either way the childs best interest are looked at. I think a parent that gives consent and explains in detail how the incident happened would not have issue with the photo for child protection purposes. The nhs doctor or gp nurse etc would have a gut instinct anyway. I also think that depending upon the seriousness of the injury the police and social services on some ocassions will intervene instantly. At least there will be no need to have a childs victimisation lost in the translation of the narrative. A picture of an injured child eg: cigarette burns would instill a higher level of urgency. Thoughts?

[squarebear]

I'd go with that. It would definitely arouse suspicion if they said, "no, you can't take a picture".

Good idea.

[oldmaggie]

Just a thought has she given the CPS a victim statment? This is read out to the court telling them how this assault has affected them......can be very useful to sentencers

[pfabc123]

Hi Oldmaggie. She is just about to do it. Do they really make a difference?

[oldmaggie]

Victim statements do make a difference, it brings it home to the bench just how much a victim has been affected by the crime