Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

What type of evidence can potentially corroborate a victim's claim of a struggle?

1. Bite marks and scratches

2. Witness testimonies

3. Weather conditions

4. DNA from the crime scene

The correct answer is: Bite marks and scratches

Bite marks and scratches can serve as physical evidence that supports a victim's claim of a struggle. When a physical altercation occurs, it is common for there to be injuries consistent with that event. Bite marks signify a close encounter during a confrontation, implying the presence of force and struggle between the involved parties. Scratches may also indicate defensive actions by the victim in an attempt to protect themselves or push the assailant away. This type of tangible evidence can reinforce a victim's account by physically demonstrating that there was indeed contact and conflict, which aligns with their narrative of a struggle. Such injuries can be documented by law enforcement or medical personnel, providing concrete support to the victim's claims. In contrast, while witness testimonies can also be helpful, they rely on individual perceptions and may not carry as strong evidential weight compared to direct physical evidence such as bite marks and scratches. Weather conditions and DNA from the crime scene may provide context or additional information, but they do not directly illustrate the occurrence of a struggle in the same immediate, evident manner as bite marks and scratches.