1. Instant Evidence Using Photographs to Document Abuse Linda Dawson, J.D. AAR Conference, October 15, 2007

2. A picture speaks a thousand words… Memories fade; Images can be preserved for years ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

3. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Words, Drawings & Photos Words: Drawings: Photographs:

4. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Perceptions Elders are often perceived as forgetful, clumsy, easily bruised, confused and generally not credible Elderly and sick people die – it's expected, not suspect

5. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Photographs Effective & objective visual representation of injuries or other conditions observed Means of collecting and preserving evidence "Freeze" evidence at a point in time Corroborate, enhance and supplement

6. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Photographs Immediately capture the full extent of injuries  Before healing begins  Before memories fade  Before victim's recant  Before stories change Decrease the number of likely court appearances; hold abusers accountable

7. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Documentation Protect victims from further maltreatment Record findings in medical record Include victim's explanation or description of incident Include others' explanations too Body map Detailed description – 5 W's

8. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Look Carefully Bruises, contusions, lacerations, burns Choking or Strangulation Location Cause

9. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Scene Presence of evidence Absence of evidence

10. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. Victim's Face For identification – and to show emotion or demeanor

11. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. How? 3 x 2:  Long range or overview  Mid-range  Close-up  Two shots of each trauma area Measure or object for reference Drape victim's body Document each photo taken Label, protect and preserve photos

12. ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c. What to use? Digital Camera Polaroid Camera 35 mm Camera

13. Reference: Safety NetWorks – AAR Information Memo #1 June 2007 ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

14. Questions? ©2007 All Rights Reserved Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.