Defense wounds of the left hand that had been placed in front of the neck

This woman was shot it the neck, note the defense wounds on her left hand from trying to defend herself. No further info about this case.

A defense wound is an injury received by the victim of an attack while trying to defend against the assailant. Defensive wounds are often found on the hands and forearms, where the victim has raised them to guard the top and face or to debar an assault, but can also be present on the feet and legs where a victim attempts defense while lying down.

The appearance and nature of the wound varies with the sort of weapon used and therefore the location of the injury, and should present as a laceration, abrasion, contusion or bone fracture. Where a victim has time to boost hands or arms before being shot by an assailant, the injury can also present as a gunshot wound. Severe laceration of the palmar surface of the hand may result from the victim grasping the blade of a weapon during an attack.In forensic medicine the presence of defense wounds is very indicative of homicide and also proves that the victim was, a minimum of initially, conscious and ready to offer some resistance during the attack.