A forensic nurse and associate professor at George Mason University has discovered and developed an easier way to detect bruises on darker skin to help more victims of domestic violence and abuse. did.
Dr. Catherine Scaffid, who works as an emergency room and trauma nurse, said she was amazed at the number of serious injuries she had seen.
That led her to pursue a career in forensic nursing helping victims of domestic violence.
“I was fascinated by the specific care they needed at a time when they were so vulnerable,” Scaffid said.
She said injuries like bruises are difficult to see with the naked eye, especially if the victim is a person of color.
“If I can’t see them, there’s nothing for me to record,” Scaffid said. Possible prosecution of perpetrators. ”
“If the injury cannot be documented, the individual who experienced this violence unfortunately does not have evidence to really support the perpetrator’s prosecution.”
Dr. Catherine Scaffid
Scafide began researching alternative light sources (ALS) using specific wavelengths in hopes of finding a solution to this problem.
“We were able to discover which wavelengths offered the best ability to detect bruises,” Scafide said. Did.”
A study led by Scafide found that ALS was five times better at detecting bruises on different skin tones compared to white light.
She said the technology is working in Baltimore, Mercy Medical Center has started using it, and it has been introduced into courtroom evidence in some domestic violence and assault cases. Scafide hopes to expand the use of this technology both locally and nationally.
“Forensic nursing units have not always adopted this device for a variety of reasons: the lack of clinical practice guidelines, the cost of the device, concerns about not having enough research to support its practice, and We’re trying to change that,” Scaffide said.
Scafide hopes the forensic nursing unit at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Maryland, will adopt the technology, but that will require her team to work closely with prosecutors and law enforcement. said it needed to work with
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, nearly one in two women experienced physical, sexual, or stalking from an intimate partner at some point in their lives. I am reporting. Nearly 54% of black women report experiencing violence or stalking.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visit www.thehotline.org, or send LOVEIS to 22522 to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
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