1. Legal and Human Rights Framework for the Protection of Women The protection of women is based on international references such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), as well as national laws that criminalize domestic violence, harassment, and rape. However, the greatest challenge remains proving the crime. Here, criminal investigation plays a vital role in providing “evidence” that safeguards women’s rights from being lost due to lack of proof or witness intimidation. 2. The Role of Forensic Evidence in Cases of Violence Against Women Forensic laboratories and forensic medicine play a fundamental role in several areas: Proving Physical and Sexual Assault: Forensic medical examinations help document injuries and collect biological samples (such as DNA). The presence of DNA evidence is considered the strongest means of conclusively linking the accused to the crime. Confronting Cybercrimes: In cases of cyber extortion or online harassment, digital forensics retrieves deleted messages and traces IP addresses to identify perpetrators who hide behind screens. Determining the Time and Manner of the Assault: Forensic sciences assist in estimating the time of the incident and identifying the type of weapon used, exposing false counterclaims and corroborating the victim’s account. 3. The Importance of the “Chain of Custody” For forensic evidence to be effective in protecting women’s rights, its integrity must be preserved from the moment it is collected at the crime scene until it reaches the courtroom. Any mishandling of samples may lead to the exclusion of evidence, highlighting the need for specialized female personnel in community policing and forensic medicine to ensure victims’ comfort and the accuracy of evidence collection. 4. Challenges and Solutions Despite technological advances, criminal justice faces several obstacles: Delay in Reporting: leading to the deterioration of biological evidence. Social Stigma: which may prevent women from undergoing forensic examinations. Proposed Solutions: Establishing integrated and confidential forensic examination units within hospitals. Using modern technologies such as spectral imaging to detect bruises invisible to the naked eye. Raising legal awareness about the importance of preserving the crime scene and not damaging clothing or evidence before specialists arrive. Conclusion Forensic evidence is the “voice” that does not lie in courtrooms. Strengthening the forensic system with modern technologies and training personnel to handle women’s cases sensitively is not merely a technical measure; it is a moral and legal necessity to ensure that no perpetrator escapes punishment and to embody the principle of the rule of law that protects everyone. Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.
  SDG4