Highlights
- •DNA from semen or vaginal secretions can transfer among items during laundering.
- •Both sources may transfer enough DNA to yield complete genetic profiles.
- •Even with no sexual event DNA from both parents was found on their children’s panties.
- •A framework for the handling of intrafamilial sexual abuse cases is proposed.
Abstract
In a number of child sexual abuse cases, the alleged perpetrator is a member of the
nuclear family. In those cases, there is a possibility that the suspect’s DNA was
innocently deposited onto the child’s clothing without acts of sexual assault ever
occurring, for example via secondary transfer within the washing machine. To assess
the quantity and quality of DNA that may be transferred among clothing during laundering,
we conducted three series of experiments. First, we evaluated the level of spermatozoa
that may be transferred by washing pristine pairs of underwear with bed sheets containing
a varying number of ejaculates. Secondly, we explored whether current genetic methods
may also detect the transfer of DNA from vaginal secretions during a machine wash.
Finally, we analyzed the background levels of DNA on children’s underwear collected
from control families where sexual abuse never occurred. For both spermatozoa and
vaginal secretions, we revealed that sufficient amounts of DNA may transfer onto laundered
clothing to yield complete genetic profiles. Furthermore, DNA from relatives living
within the same household was found in most cuttings taken from control children’s
underwear. Based on these findings, we present a framework for the handling and interpretation
of intrafamilial sexual abuse cases. These suggestions should help determine whether
DNA was deposited directly onto a fabric or merely transferred during a wash.
Graphical abstract
Graphical Abstract
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 10, 2016
Accepted:
May 9,
2016
Received in revised form:
April 4,
2016
Received:
November 19,
2015
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2016 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
