January 3, 2013
      
A new tool is helping Metro Police shine a light on domestic violence cases.

Detectives are now using ultraviolet light to detect injuries that can't be seen with the naked eye.

In many domestic violence cases there are two different stories. It's often he said versus she said.
   
The new lights help to separate fact from fiction.

When it comes to police work it's sometimes necessary to look beneath the surface.

"It brings to light the injuries that they're alleging that we may not be able to see at that time," says Capt. Kay Lokey with the Metro Police Domestic Violence Division.

Metro's domestic violence division has a new tool in its crime fighting kit.

"We've used it on about four or five different cases so far," says Capt. Lokey.

Ultraviolet lights and filters reveal bruises that can't be seen with the naked eye. Bruising may not appear until days after an assault.

"So it's just something else to build evidence to take to court," says Capt. Lokey.

All a detective has to do is shine the light on a person's skin, and hold up a filter. The truth becomes clear.

Recently detectives used the light to show a pinch mark on a woman's neck, backing up her story that she was put in choke hold.

"By using that tool we were able to say yes indeed that did happen to you," says Capt. Lokey.

Police say Tennessee is the third deadliest state for women in the country, and many cases are the result of domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is a very serious issue in our community," says Pamela Sessions with the YWCA.

Nashville's YWCA operates a domestic violence shelter which serves more than 200 women a year.
   
The group applauds police for using technology to solve cases.

"Any resource that is available to assist women that our survivors of domestic violence should be used," says Sessions.

Detectives hope their new tool will illuminate investigations.

"This really helps us define who is at fault here," says Capt. Lokey.

Metro police spent about $125 a piece for their six lights.   

If you need help dealing with a domestic violence situation, call the YWCA crisis line at 1-800-334-4628.