Differentiating Between Genuine Damage and Falsified Damage to a Garment Following an Alleged Sexual Assault

• NCJ Number: 242534
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2012 Pages: 1634-1636
• Author(s): Graham Williams, M.Sc.; Imran Haider, B.Sc.
• Date Published: November 2012
• Length: 3 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aim of this study was to determine an allegation of sexual assault was made in which a bra was torn off by the assailant causing extensive damage.

Abstract

An allegation of sexual assault was made in which a bra was torn off by the assailant causing extensive damage; however, it was observed that the hook and eye fastening was still intact. It was felt that it was not possible for a garment to receive such damage without damage to the hook and eye fastening, thus indicating that the complainant caused the damage to the bra herself to support a false allegation. Reconstruction experiments were conducted in which the conditions of the allegation were simulated utilizing a range of similar bras. Following the infliction of damage, the hook and eye fastenings were examined. In eight of nine experiments, the hook and eye fastening were intact, despite the application of enough force to cause separation of the bra cups in five of the experiments. This shows that bras may suffer extensive damage without damage to the hook and eye fastening. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.