Forensic Evidence as the Scientific Guardian of Women’s Rights in the Face of Violence The legal protection of women is based on the principle that “the burden of proof lies with the claimant.” In cases of violence—whether physical, sexual, or digital—the victim often faces serious difficulties in proving that the crime occurred. Here, forensic sciences play a crucial role as a bridge between the crime scene and the courtroom, transforming biological and digital traces into conclusive evidence. First: Forensic Medicine and the Documentation of Physical Assaults Forensic medicine represents the first line of defense for the rights of abused women. Through meticulous examination, the forensic physician is able to: Determine the nature of injuries: distinguishing between accidental injuries and those resulting from intentional assault. Estimate the time of the incident: linking injuries to the time of the crime in order to counter any attempts by the offender to deny presence at the scene. Use advanced lighting techniques: such as ultraviolet imaging to detect deep bruises that may not be visible to the naked eye during the initial days. Second: DNA Profiling and the Resolution of Sexual Assault Cases DNA profiling represents the greatest revolution in the field of criminal justice, particularly in crimes where eyewitness testimony is absent: Accurate identification: a small sample of bodily fluids or hair can identify the offender with an accuracy of up to 99.9%. Exoneration of the innocent: just as it protects victims, forensic evidence prevents false accusations, thereby strengthening public confidence in the judicial system. Criminal databases: enabling the pursuit of serial offenders by matching samples collected from different crimes. Third: Digital Evidence and Confronting Online Violence As a significant portion of violence against women has shifted to the digital sphere (blackmail, cyber harassment, defamation), the digital investigator has become an essential component: Data recovery: tracing messages and deleted content that the offender attempts to conceal. Location tracking (GPS): proving the offender’s stalking of the victim or presence within her geographical vicinity. Digital fingerprinting: establishing ownership of fake accounts used in blackmail and linking them to the offenders’ devices. Fourth: Challenges and Ways to Enhance Justice Despite the scientific strength of forensic evidence, several challenges may hinder its effectiveness, including: The time factor: the degradation of biological evidence over time, which necessitates prompt reporting and immediate examination of the victim. Public awareness: the need to educate women on the importance of preserving the crime scene and avoiding washing clothes or destroying evidence before specialists arrive. The need for female professionals: providing female experts in forensic science and forensic medicine helps victims provide testimony and undergo examinations with greater psychological comfort, reducing secondary victimization (re-traumatization during the investigative process). Conclusion Forensic evidence is not merely a set of technical procedures; it is a manifestation of the principle of prompt and effective justice. Through science, we ensure that the voice of truth remains heard, even when forces of violence attempt to silence it. Investing in the development of forensic laboratories and training legal professionals in handling such evidence is a direct investment in the security and rights of women. Al-Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq
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