Katkici U, Ozkök M S, Orsal M
Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Sivas, Turkey.
J Forensic Sci Soc. 1994 Oct-Dec;34(4):237-40. doi: 10.1016/s0015-7368(94)72926-1.
Defence wounds may be of value in differentiating between homicide, suicide and accidental death. A study of 3183 forensic autopsies in Istanbul between 1988 and 1989 showed that 195 deaths (6.1%) were due to stab wounds, and that defence wounds were found in 38.5% of the victims. Defence wounds were seen on 35.2% of males, and 54.5% of females; 39.7% of defence wounds were classified as 'active' and 60.3% as 'passive'; 40.5% were seen on the right hand and forearm, and 59.5% on the left side. There was no connection in this study between the occurrence of defence wounds and the consumption of alcohol by the victim before the stabbing.
