Unusual self-inflicted injuries simulating a criminal offence

Abstract

A total of 14 cases with self-inflicted injuries intended to simulate a criminal offence are reported. Typical characteristics of self-infliction such as superficiality, localisation at the anterior aspect, parallel course or avoidance of areas with high sensitivity to pain are substantiated by most of the cases analysed. However, the majority of cases also comprised atypical features including large hematomas of the extremities, a gaping cut wound, lip laceration, hematoma of the eyelids, concussion of the brain, large burn injuries and signs of bonding. Therefore, atypical injuries, which are either found in isolation or in combination with typical injury patterns, cannot exclude self-infliction. Initially, most “victims” did not intend to report the matter to the police but the persons whose affection was to be obtained made the report. Psychopathological motivations are predominant but rational motives such as attempted insurance fraud also occur.