L. Dharmadasa, Kithulwaththa Idg, D. Priyanath, Gunathilaka Mac, Silva Lskd, Kumari Mkjk, Senanayaka Taaw
Introduction: Child abuse is a global public health problem and proper intervention strategies need a greater understanding of risk factors that can contribute to it. This study was conducted in order to identify the undetected contributory factors that lead to child abuse cases. Methodology: All children (less than 18 years of age) who were brought for medico legal examination with alleged abuse to two reputed teaching hospitals during a period of 1 and ½ years were included. Required details were obtained through an interviewer administered questionnaire after obtaining the consent. Results: Out of the 186 children, more than 80% presented following sexual abuse and the majority (n=173) were females. Further, n=118 (75%) of the victims of child sexual abuse were between the age group of 13 to 15 years. Moreover, 75% of the victims of sexual abuse were from low income families. Parents of 100% of the victims of physical abuse and 60% of the victims of sexual abuse had educational qualifications below ordinary level. 82% of the victims of physical abuse were having dysfunctional family background, specially use of ethanol by parents (65%). Parental separation was the form of family dysfunction that was associated with sexual abuse. Conclusion: Poor income, poor parental education and dysfunctional family background could be identified as predisposing factors for child abuse. However, the association of these factors vary with different types of child abuse, thus preventive strategies should be planned accordingly.
{"title":"Study on Victims of Child Abuse: A Study Conducted in Two Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka","authors":"L. Dharmadasa, Kithulwaththa Idg, D. Priyanath, Gunathilaka Mac, Silva Lskd, Kumari Mkjk, Senanayaka Taaw","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i2.7443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i2.7443","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Child abuse is a global public health problem and proper intervention strategies need a greater understanding of risk factors that can contribute to it. This study was conducted in order to identify the undetected contributory factors that lead to child abuse cases. Methodology: All children (less than 18 years of age) who were brought for medico legal examination with alleged abuse to two reputed teaching hospitals during a period of 1 and ½ years were included. Required details were obtained through an interviewer administered questionnaire after obtaining the consent. Results: Out of the 186 children, more than 80% presented following sexual abuse and the majority (n=173) were females. Further, n=118 (75%) of the victims of child sexual abuse were between the age group of 13 to 15 years. Moreover, 75% of the victims of sexual abuse were from low income families. Parents of 100% of the victims of physical abuse and 60% of the victims of sexual abuse had educational qualifications below ordinary level. 82% of the victims of physical abuse were having dysfunctional family background, specially use of ethanol by parents (65%). Parental separation was the form of family dysfunction that was associated with sexual abuse. Conclusion: Poor income, poor parental education and dysfunctional family background could be identified as predisposing factors for child abuse. However, the association of these factors vary with different types of child abuse, thus preventive strategies should be planned accordingly.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123465695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: At present most of the patients are educated, knowledgeable and actively participating in medical decision making. However, the literature on medical officers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as informed consent, in Sri Lanka is quite limited and our study is carried out to fulfil this gap. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected 404 medical officers at two Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka. Results: Among the study group of total 404 medical officers, 57% (n=232) were males and 82% (n=331) were Grade Medical Officers. Ninety five percent (n=384) of them knew that informed consent should be obtained in vaginal examination and rectal examination and 98% (n=396) of them knew and apply the knowledge into practice in the case of children and other persons who are incapable of giving consent and 97% (n=392) of them knew that they have to consider the mental state of the patient before requesting consent. Almost all medical officers 96% (n=348) believe that the doctor who carries out the treatment or medical procedures is the best person to obtain informed consent from the patient. The majority of the medical officers 70% (n=283) only explain common risks. In comparison, 29% (n=117) explain all risks and only 01% (n=04) explain all risks including possible remote risks as well. Conclusion: A reasonable number of doctors have adequate knowledge regarding informed consent but are very poor in some areas. It is highly recommended continuous professional development program and knowledge updating program covering medical ethics at each hospital level.
{"title":"A Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Obtaining Informed Consent for Medical and Surgical Procedures Among Medical Officers in Teaching Hospital Kalubowila and Karapitiya, Sri Lanka","authors":"P. B. W. Lelwala, P. B. Dasanayaka","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i2.7445","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i2.7445","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: At present most of the patients are educated, knowledgeable and actively participating in medical decision making. However, the literature on medical officers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices, as well as informed consent, in Sri Lanka is quite limited and our study is carried out to fulfil this gap. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected 404 medical officers at two Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka. Results: Among the study group of total 404 medical officers, 57% (n=232) were males and 82% (n=331) were Grade Medical Officers. Ninety five percent (n=384) of them knew that informed consent should be obtained in vaginal examination and rectal examination and 98% (n=396) of them knew and apply the knowledge into practice in the case of children and other persons who are incapable of giving consent and 97% (n=392) of them knew that they have to consider the mental state of the patient before requesting consent. Almost all medical officers 96% (n=348) believe that the doctor who carries out the treatment or medical procedures is the best person to obtain informed consent from the patient. The majority of the medical officers 70% (n=283) only explain common risks. In comparison, 29% (n=117) explain all risks and only 01% (n=04) explain all risks including possible remote risks as well. Conclusion: A reasonable number of doctors have adequate knowledge regarding informed consent but are very poor in some areas. It is highly recommended continuous professional development program and knowledge updating program covering medical ethics at each hospital level.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"20 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-12-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122003718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Where a vehicle driver has multiple conditions or a condition that affects multiple body systems, there may be an additive or a compounding detrimental effect on driving abilities. An 81-year-old male motorcyclist was admitted to a tertiary care hospital following a road traffic accident. He has sustained only minor injuries. No significant past medical history. He has monocular vision since 1960 following accidental trauma to the right eye. He had obtained a heavy and light vehicle driving license in 1958, which is valid for life. Driving with monocular vision is permitted in many European countries and Sri Lanka. However, an important question remains - should the ability of driving be reviewed in an accident or any other condition which affects driving. This paper attempts to propose a referral mechanism to reduce morbidity and mortality in people with driving disabilities. Monocular vision affects vision in many ways. This might have serious implications both on the safety of the patient and the public. Driving with monocular vision is allowed in many countries. However proper evaluation of subsequent illnesses and referral mechanism is important in cases like this to reduce morbidity and mortality. In Sri Lanka there is no proper referral system for this. Therefore, we propose to introduce 1. Mandatory renewal of all driving licenses. 2. Mandatory notification system in conditions that affect driving 3. Issue a restrictive license and frequent review in relevant cases. This would be important in reducing injury risk to both the individual concerned and the public.
{"title":"Safe Driving - Assessment Mechanism to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality: A concept paper with reviewing a clinical case","authors":"N. Mendis","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7440","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7440","url":null,"abstract":"Where a vehicle driver has multiple conditions or a condition that affects multiple body systems, there may be an additive or a compounding detrimental effect on driving abilities. An 81-year-old male motorcyclist was admitted to a tertiary care hospital following a road traffic accident. He has sustained only minor injuries. No significant past medical history. He has monocular vision since 1960 following accidental trauma to the right eye. He had obtained a heavy and light vehicle driving license in 1958, which is valid for life. Driving with monocular vision is permitted in many European countries and Sri Lanka. However, an important question remains - should the ability of driving be reviewed in an accident or any other condition which affects driving. This paper attempts to propose a referral mechanism to reduce morbidity and mortality in people with driving disabilities. Monocular vision affects vision in many ways. This might have serious implications both on the safety of the patient and the public. Driving with monocular vision is allowed in many countries. However proper evaluation of subsequent illnesses and referral mechanism is important in cases like this to reduce morbidity and mortality. In Sri Lanka there is no proper referral system for this. Therefore, we propose to introduce 1. Mandatory renewal of all driving licenses. 2. Mandatory notification system in conditions that affect driving 3. Issue a restrictive license and frequent review in relevant cases. This would be important in reducing injury risk to both the individual concerned and the public.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"46 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128598116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: It is mandatory for Forensic Pathologists (FPs)/Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs) in Sri Lanka to handle the disposal procedure of unidentified dead bodies, and it is not unusual for these doctors to face many hardships during this process. It requires the help of many stakeholders to fulfil all legal requirements before the proper disposal process. This retrospective data analysis was performed to study the demography of such decedents and also to address evidentially the prevailing issues surrounding the disposal of unidentified decedents. Based on the study the deficiencies and strengths of the present procedure of disposal of decedents were studied. The existing legal procedure of inquest in relation to the unidentified decedents was also studied. Methodology: The details of the unidentified decedents available in the registers of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital were perused and analysed from August 2016 to August 2020. The communication file with police and the records pertaining to the mortuary coolers were also perused. The present law of the country related to the disposal of unidentified decedents and prevailing procedural circumstances are also scrutinized. Results: One-hundred and forty-one (141) unidentified dead bodies were autopsied (03% of all dead bodies) during the four years. The male to female ratio was 13:1, and the majority of victims (n= 81 and 57%) were of 61-80 years age range. The cause of death was natural in 81%. After receiving the dead body, the meantime to perform the autopsy was 90 days and 5 days to dispose of the dead body. The Police had handed over 50% (n=71) of decedents to the hospital. Conclusion: The duration to perform the post-mortem examination from the date of handover was lengthy, and it revealed that this delay was due to the slow progression of essential initial steps that to be followed by the police. One recommendation to rectify this delay is utilizing the hospital web page to display details of the unidentified decedents. There is no “specified” procedure for the disposal of unidentified decedents in Sri Lanka. But it is covered under the inquest procedure and with the Departmental Orders of the Department of Police for a certain extent.
{"title":"A Study on Disposal of Unidentified Dead Bodies in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka Along with Legal Provisions and Procedural Circumstances","authors":"H. Ariyarathna","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7436","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7436","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: It is mandatory for Forensic Pathologists (FPs)/Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs) in Sri Lanka to handle the disposal procedure of unidentified dead bodies, and it is not unusual for these doctors to face many hardships during this process. It requires the help of many stakeholders to fulfil all legal requirements before the proper disposal process. This retrospective data analysis was performed to study the demography of such decedents and also to address evidentially the prevailing issues surrounding the disposal of unidentified decedents. Based on the study the deficiencies and strengths of the present procedure of disposal of decedents were studied. The existing legal procedure of inquest in relation to the unidentified decedents was also studied. Methodology: The details of the unidentified decedents available in the registers of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital were perused and analysed from August 2016 to August 2020. The communication file with police and the records pertaining to the mortuary coolers were also perused. The present law of the country related to the disposal of unidentified decedents and prevailing procedural circumstances are also scrutinized. Results: One-hundred and forty-one (141) unidentified dead bodies were autopsied (03% of all dead bodies) during the four years. The male to female ratio was 13:1, and the majority of victims (n= 81 and 57%) were of 61-80 years age range. The cause of death was natural in 81%. After receiving the dead body, the meantime to perform the autopsy was 90 days and 5 days to dispose of the dead body. The Police had handed over 50% (n=71) of decedents to the hospital. Conclusion: The duration to perform the post-mortem examination from the date of handover was lengthy, and it revealed that this delay was due to the slow progression of essential initial steps that to be followed by the police. One recommendation to rectify this delay is utilizing the hospital web page to display details of the unidentified decedents. There is no “specified” procedure for the disposal of unidentified decedents in Sri Lanka. But it is covered under the inquest procedure and with the Departmental Orders of the Department of Police for a certain extent.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"342 2","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"120875919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Substance abuse is a global problem. The types of drugs, patterns of abuse and other demographic characters change over time. Five incidences including two case series are discussed here. They involve teenagers and young adults including fist-time users of cocktails of drugs including relatively newer substances of abuse in Sri Lanka such as amphetamines and methamphetamines. Illegal gatherings organized through the internet such as Facebook parties are becoming commoner in Sri Lanka providing a safe platform for experiencing illegal drugs and casual sex for teenagers including school children. Recreational abuse of these drugs in the dance culture by teenagers and young adults poses many medical, social and psychological problems. Young female substance abusers are on the rise. Chemsex or the abuse of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual desire, performance and to achieve a ‘carefree and relaxed mind-set’ during casual sex is a relatively newer entity in Sri Lanka which is reported in these case series. Rave parties, beach parties and Facebook parties pose many new challenges to the law enforcement, Government Analyst and the Judicial Medical Officer in Sri Lanka. Multi-disciplinary research and infrastructure development are necessary to successfully face these challenges.
{"title":"Changing Patterns in the Types and Methods of Abuse of Illegal Drugs in Sri Lanka: A Study Based on Five Recent Case Series","authors":"S. Raveendran, S. Hulathduwa","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7439","url":null,"abstract":"Substance abuse is a global problem. The types of drugs, patterns of abuse and other demographic characters change over time. Five incidences including two case series are discussed here. They involve teenagers and young adults including fist-time users of cocktails of drugs including relatively newer substances of abuse in Sri Lanka such as amphetamines and methamphetamines. Illegal gatherings organized through the internet such as Facebook parties are becoming commoner in Sri Lanka providing a safe platform for experiencing illegal drugs and casual sex for teenagers including school children. Recreational abuse of these drugs in the dance culture by teenagers and young adults poses many medical, social and psychological problems. Young female substance abusers are on the rise. Chemsex or the abuse of psychoactive substances to enhance sexual desire, performance and to achieve a ‘carefree and relaxed mind-set’ during casual sex is a relatively newer entity in Sri Lanka which is reported in these case series. Rave parties, beach parties and Facebook parties pose many new challenges to the law enforcement, Government Analyst and the Judicial Medical Officer in Sri Lanka. Multi-disciplinary research and infrastructure development are necessary to successfully face these challenges.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"26 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133430978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: There was no uniformity in measuring the anthropological measurements of the heart in the literature. It varies from study to study, country to country, region to region within the same country and author to author according to the material and methodology of the study. So measurements of the heart also vary according to the methods used by different authors in their study. The normality standard for organ anthropometric measurements must be established in a specific reference sample for each population, as the normality values may be different under genetic and environmental influences. This study is aimed to determine the average size of mitral and aortic valves of the adult heart in autopsies done in Teaching Hospital, Colombo South of Sri Lanka. Assess the average circumferential length of the mitral and aortic and also determine the relationship with socio-demographic factors such as body weight, sex, and age and body length. Methodology: This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study done in fresh formalin unfixed adult hearts recovered from deceased died due to traumatic and unnatural causes. Samples were collected for one-year period between the periods of September 2018 to September 2019. Results: Hundred and twenty-two (122) samples (68 males and 54 females) were included in this study among 282 adult hearts collected during this period due to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average circumferential length of the mitral and aortic valves were in cm for male and females 9.49, 8.76 and 7.05, 6.88. Conclusion: This pilot study revealed that intermingling findings with western studies and eastern studies. Especially male mitral valve annular circumferences were compatible with western studies and other findings were compatible with eastern studies. A significant association was demonstrated in the circumference of MV with age and body length (p value = 0.029, 0.034). We recommend large scales multi-centered studies to find out the normality standard for heart measurements in Sri Lankan population.
{"title":"An Autopsy Study Conducted in Colombo South of Sri Lanka to Identify Average Sizes of Aortic and Mitral Valves of the Heart","authors":"Raveendran Sathasivam, M. Vidanapathirana","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7437","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7437","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: There was no uniformity in measuring the anthropological measurements of the heart in the literature. It varies from study to study, country to country, region to region within the same country and author to author according to the material and methodology of the study. So measurements of the heart also vary according to the methods used by different authors in their study. The normality standard for organ anthropometric measurements must be established in a specific reference sample for each population, as the normality values may be different under genetic and environmental influences. This study is aimed to determine the average size of mitral and aortic valves of the adult heart in autopsies done in Teaching Hospital, Colombo South of Sri Lanka. Assess the average circumferential length of the mitral and aortic and also determine the relationship with socio-demographic factors such as body weight, sex, and age and body length. Methodology: This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study done in fresh formalin unfixed adult hearts recovered from deceased died due to traumatic and unnatural causes. Samples were collected for one-year period between the periods of September 2018 to September 2019. Results: Hundred and twenty-two (122) samples (68 males and 54 females) were included in this study among 282 adult hearts collected during this period due to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average circumferential length of the mitral and aortic valves were in cm for male and females 9.49, 8.76 and 7.05, 6.88. Conclusion: This pilot study revealed that intermingling findings with western studies and eastern studies. Especially male mitral valve annular circumferences were compatible with western studies and other findings were compatible with eastern studies. A significant association was demonstrated in the circumference of MV with age and body length (p value = 0.029, 0.034). We recommend large scales multi-centered studies to find out the normality standard for heart measurements in Sri Lankan population.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"6 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115597104","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The case under discussion highlights two important laws in the Penal Code (PC) of Sri Lanka namely, section 32, liability for actions/ offences carried out with common intention, and section 78 and 79, offences done under a state of intoxication. An infuriated first accused who had started a brawl with the victim over a fence and in the midst of the struggle had asked the second accused to bring him a ‘cement’ stone to hit the victim with. The second accused had promptly found and handed the first accused a heavy stone by which the victim was forcefully assaulted. The victim died as a result of blunt force trauma with cranio-cerebral injuries. The indictment was issued against both the first and the second accused under the Section 32 (chapter II, general explanations), of the Penal Code making both the accused liable as if the act was done by the one and same person. The second accused tried to defend himself stating that he was under the influence of alcohol and pleaded that he was not in a state to thinking clearly because he was forcefully drunk by the first accused and he defended under the Section 78 of Penal Code (Ordinance No. 2 of 1883). The author performed the medico-legal investigation of the deceased and the second accused. In this article, the importance of having the legal knowledge surrounding this scenario is discussed.
{"title":"Criminal Acts Committed With a Common Intention and Under Intoxication: A Case Scenario Highlighting Their Legal Implications","authors":"H. Ariyarathna","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7428","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7428","url":null,"abstract":"The case under discussion highlights two important laws in the Penal Code (PC) of Sri Lanka namely, section 32, liability for actions/ offences carried out with common intention, and section 78 and 79, offences done under a state of intoxication. An infuriated first accused who had started a brawl with the victim over a fence and in the midst of the struggle had asked the second accused to bring him a ‘cement’ stone to hit the victim with. The second accused had promptly found and handed the first accused a heavy stone by which the victim was forcefully assaulted. The victim died as a result of blunt force trauma with cranio-cerebral injuries. The indictment was issued against both the first and the second accused under the Section 32 (chapter II, general explanations), of the Penal Code making both the accused liable as if the act was done by the one and same person. The second accused tried to defend himself stating that he was under the influence of alcohol and pleaded that he was not in a state to thinking clearly because he was forcefully drunk by the first accused and he defended under the Section 78 of Penal Code (Ordinance No. 2 of 1883). The author performed the medico-legal investigation of the deceased and the second accused. In this article, the importance of having the legal knowledge surrounding this scenario is discussed.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"133 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116266174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Forensic Research in Sri Lanka: Is the Magistrate’s Authority Essential to Use Medico-Legal Records Retrospectively?","authors":"S. Kodikara","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7441","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7441","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"174 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123001193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera. “Photography is a valuable tool for recording the crime scene and explaining the evidence to others”. The objective of forensic photography is to record an event, a scene, or an object correctly. It is always better to go for a good digital camera with an interchangeable lens. The physical size and quality of the image sensor along with the corresponding optics play a much bigger role in image quality than megapixels alone. Basic idea about exposure, depth of field and framing a shot is important to take a proper photograph. Photography is an important tool in most forensic examinations. Equipping all medico-legal units with necessary photographic equipment and providing a trained photographer is a very important action regarding the development of the field.
{"title":"Forensic Photography: Concepts and Applications for better crime scene examination","authors":"Mendis Ndna","doi":"10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7429","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/mljsl.v9i1.7429","url":null,"abstract":"Forensic Photography is the fair and accurate recording of a scene or object, of legal interest, by a camera. “Photography is a valuable tool for recording the crime scene and explaining the evidence to others”. The objective of forensic photography is to record an event, a scene, or an object correctly. It is always better to go for a good digital camera with an interchangeable lens. The physical size and quality of the image sensor along with the corresponding optics play a much bigger role in image quality than megapixels alone. Basic idea about exposure, depth of field and framing a shot is important to take a proper photograph. Photography is an important tool in most forensic examinations. Equipping all medico-legal units with necessary photographic equipment and providing a trained photographer is a very important action regarding the development of the field.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"210 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122637242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Sexual abuse is an undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another. In Sri Lanka, all sexual abuse cases are expected to be examined by a medico-legal specialist before the court procedure. This study was conducted to identify the presentation, pattern, and prevalence of injuries among the sexual abuse victims presented to District General Hospital Gampaha. The findings of this study will help to improve the knowledge on different variables that can influence or affect the medico-legal opinion, and the management of victims including prevention. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medico-legal records of all the cases with alleged sexual abuse reported to DGH Gampaha, during the 10 months from July 2018 to April 2019. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 with descriptive statistics. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression model used where necessary. Results: A total of 103 alleged sexual assault cases were assessed with 85% females, and remaining 15% were male victims. The median age of victims was 15years. Almost all the perpetrators were males and the mean age is 31 years. There was 92% probability of an abuser become a known person or a relative of the victim. Ten percent (10%) (n=10) of victims sustained non-genital injuries following a sexual assault with injuries in more than one site and 11 % (n=11) victims had genital injuries. About 40% (n=40) of victims gave a history of repeated abuse with no statistically significant difference among the genders (chi-square =2.6, p = 0.105>0.05). On multiple logistics regression, those who had a history of repeated abuse and who became pregnant following the abuse were significantly associated with the length of time to reporting (Exp (B) = 3.082; 95% CI, 1.224 - 7.76; p-value = 0.017 Conclusion: Female sex, and less than 16 years of age, is the most vulnerable group. Early adolescents had comparatively higher genital injury prevalence. Also, the genital injury prevalence was almost four-fold among the victims that presented to the medicolegal examination within one week or less. All the victims, who had anal/perianal injuries, were less than 15-year-old males. History of repeated abuse and presence of pregnancy was significantly associated with the duration of time to report to the hospital. 13% of sexually assaulted unmarried females being presented with pregnancy, is an alarming finding and needs evaluation with further studies.
{"title":"A Retrospective Study on Presentation, Patterns, and the Prevalence of Injuries in Alleged Sexual Assault Cases, Presented to District General Hospital Gampaha from July 2018 to April 2019","authors":"B. Perera","doi":"10.4038/MLJSL.V9I1.7438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4038/MLJSL.V9I1.7438","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Sexual abuse is an undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another. In Sri Lanka, all sexual abuse cases are expected to be examined by a medico-legal specialist before the court procedure. This study was conducted to identify the presentation, pattern, and prevalence of injuries among the sexual abuse victims presented to District General Hospital Gampaha. The findings of this study will help to improve the knowledge on different variables that can influence or affect the medico-legal opinion, and the management of victims including prevention. Methodology: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using medico-legal records of all the cases with alleged sexual abuse reported to DGH Gampaha, during the 10 months from July 2018 to April 2019. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 with descriptive statistics. Bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression model used where necessary. Results: A total of 103 alleged sexual assault cases were assessed with 85% females, and remaining 15% were male victims. The median age of victims was 15years. Almost all the perpetrators were males and the mean age is 31 years. There was 92% probability of an abuser become a known person or a relative of the victim. Ten percent (10%) (n=10) of victims sustained non-genital injuries following a sexual assault with injuries in more than one site and 11 % (n=11) victims had genital injuries. About 40% (n=40) of victims gave a history of repeated abuse with no statistically significant difference among the genders (chi-square =2.6, p = 0.105>0.05). On multiple logistics regression, those who had a history of repeated abuse and who became pregnant following the abuse were significantly associated with the length of time to reporting (Exp (B) = 3.082; 95% CI, 1.224 - 7.76; p-value = 0.017 Conclusion: Female sex, and less than 16 years of age, is the most vulnerable group. Early adolescents had comparatively higher genital injury prevalence. Also, the genital injury prevalence was almost four-fold among the victims that presented to the medicolegal examination within one week or less. All the victims, who had anal/perianal injuries, were less than 15-year-old males. History of repeated abuse and presence of pregnancy was significantly associated with the duration of time to report to the hospital. 13% of sexually assaulted unmarried females being presented with pregnancy, is an alarming finding and needs evaluation with further studies.","PeriodicalId":446761,"journal":{"name":"Medico-Legal Journal of Sri Lanka","volume":"47 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128247078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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