Understanding the challenges of disaster victim identification: perspectives of Australian forensic practitioners

Abstract Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) is an important process in the aftermath of disasters to provide answers for families and communities victims. Australian forensic practitioners contribute such processes internationally under difficult post-disaster circumstances. The aim study was better understand challenges experienced by international DVI operations. Participants (N = 20) included DNA analysts, fingerprint examiners, odontologists, pathologists, mortuary technicians who had experience were interviewed about their experiences perceptions DVI. findings valuable insights into types operations which have been involved internationally. Thematic analysis interview data resulted five main themes: work environment; management processes; political financial influences; teamwork intercultural interdisciplinary contexts; confronting emotional realities work. highlights interrelated associated with contexts. Practitioners also provided suggestions improvement, generally aligned themes reflected ethos learning continuous improvement Further research on education training capacity-development initiatives warranted.