9-Minute Watch
18 November 2025
NEW MRI CAPABILITY AT VIFM COULD BE A GAME CHANGER
A new high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capability at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) is being hailed as a game-changer in the investigation and prosecution of strangulation cases, particularly in the context of domestic and family violence.
In this video report from the Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, watch a victim survivor describe the horrors of being strangled by a partner – and worrying that without visible bruising, the abuse might never be taken seriously. The video highlights how MRI imaging can detect internal soft-tissue and vascular injuries that conventional scans or physical examination may miss, featuring interviews with Dr Maaike Moller, Forensic Physician at the VIFM, and Dr Chris O’Donnell, Forensic Radiologist at the VIFM.
The installation of the new forensic-dedicated MRI scanner – the first of its kind in an Australian forensic medicine facility – enables the institute’s forensic radiology team to visualise soft organs, ligaments, vascular structures and subtle injuries in three-dimensional detail.
Key points from the video and supporting research:
* Strangulation (manual, ligature, or chokehold) may result in serious internal injury such as carotid artery dissection, hypoxic brain injury, airway trauma – even when external signs (bruising, swelling) are minimal or absent.
* Forensic MRI is particularly useful in identifying soft-tissue injuries, vascular changes, oedema, ligament tears and other concealed trauma in cases of non-fatal strangulation. Research supports its value up to 12 days post-incident.
* Advanced imaging strengthens medico-legal evidence, improving the ability to document, present and interpret injury in court and in related investigations.
* From a broader policy and justice perspective, the improved detection of strangulation injuries can support earlier intervention, better risk assessment for future harm, and stronger conviction outcomes.
Dr Chris O’Donnell (Forensic Radiologist, VIFM) (quoted in the video) emphasises that MRI’s non-invasive capability offers survivors of assault a less intrusive method of examination, and enhances the institute’s forensic imaging arsenal alongside CT scanning and traditional autopsy methods.
What this means for victims, justice and research
For victims and survivors of assault, especially in intimate-partner contexts, the ability to document internal injury via MRI means greater validation of their experience and stronger evidence to support prosecutions. Nearly half of strangulation survivors may show no external signs – meaning internal imaging is critically important.
For the justice system, VIFM’s new MRI capability helps bridge the gap between assault dynamics and forensic evidence, making medical imaging more responsive to trauma patterns seen in domestic, child abuse and intimate-partner violence cases. The MRI scanner has been operational since August 2025, following commissioning and training.
For researchers and clinicians, the facility represents a significant step forward in forensic radiology and medico-legal imaging. The video illustrates opportunities for longitudinal studies, better documentation of assault injuries, and enhanced collaboration across medical, legal and victim-services sectors.
Looking ahead
Forensic imaging remains part of a broader clinical and forensic pathway – including immediate assessment after assault, documentation of history, referral to specialist services and integration with legal processes. This sets a new benchmark for Clinical Forensic Medicine in Australia and internationally. The Institute’s role in linking clinical forensic examinations and forensic imaging with medico-legal investigations is strengthened – meaning better outcomes for survivors of strangulation and more robust evidence for justice.
Support Services: Remember, if you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact:
The National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Victoria Health Sexual Assault Services, Sexual Assault Crisis Line on 1800 806 292 – 5pm to 9am weeknights and throughout weekends and public holidays.
Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 463 for 24/7 brief counselling service and also available online.