In sexual assault cases, the retrieved DNA quantity and sampling location from the victim’s underwear may provide valuable information for activity level evaluative reporting. DNA can transfer from site to site on an exhibit, or be lost within packaging, complicating interpretation. Experiments are needed to investigate these factors. This preliminary study compared two cleaning methods to prepare undergarments for such experimentation: hand-washing with warm water and washing with bleach before rinsing. Results show a significantly lower quantity of DNA on washed underwear using both methods. Warm-water hand-washing, the more straightforward method, was selected for further experimentation.
DOCUMENT
In cases of sexual assault, the interpretation of biological traces on clothing, and particularly undergarments, may be complex. This is especially so when the complainant and defendant interact socially, for instance as (ex-)partners or by co-habitation. Here we present the results from a study where latent male DNA on female worn undergarments is recovered in four groups with different levels of male-female social interaction. The results conform to prior expectation, in that less interaction tend to result in less male DNA on undergarments. We explore the use of these experimental data for evaluative reporting given activity level propositions in a mock case scenario. We show how the selection of different populations to represent the social interaction between complainant and defendant may affect the strength of the evidence. We further show how datasets of limited size can be used for robust activity level evaluative reporting.
MULTIFILE
Irene Maldini’s PhD research discusses the quantity of clothing produced and consumed, its growth, and the environmental challenges associated with it. Moreover, Maldini examines how the field of design has reacted to this issue, reflecting critically on the gap between the expected and the actual effects of design strategies aimed at reducing clothing demand. Clothing personalization and durability have been central strategies to that end; however, this research points out that their expected effects are based on partial historical views and simplistic perspectives of clothing consumption. Therefore, the study proceeds in offering an alternative perspective on clothing consumption building on the systemic nature of the wardrobe.
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