New Research Helps Medical Staff, Law Enforcement Identify Bruises on Dark Skin

Evidence is an important piece of any criminal investigation, particularly when it comes to cases of assault and domestic violence. But for survivors with dark skin, identifying bruises — whether in person or in photos presented to a jury — has historically been difficult. Recent research out of George Mason University, led by Katherine Scafide, is correcting that wrong with a new method to help medical staff and law enforcement see wounds on dark skin. “Bruises tell us a lot about what has happened to a particular patient who’s experienced violence. And unfortunately, if I can’t see the bruise clearly, it really limits my ability of what to document and what to report in the medical record,” Scafide, a professor who previously worked as a forensic nurse, told NPR. Her team, with support from the National Institute of Justice, found that using blue or purple light rather than standard white light made it five times more likely for officials to detect a bruise. Now, Scafide is developing guidelines for nurses on how to use alternate light sources so her research can be applied to real-life situations and patients.

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