Tracking Interpersonal Violence: A 13-Year Review of Cases in a Referral Hospital (2009–2022)

TL;DR

This study tracks interpersonal violence cases over 13 years at a referral hospital, highlighting trends, risk factors, and the role of healthcare in detection and prevention.

Contribution

The study provides a longitudinal analysis of interpersonal violence in a hospital setting, identifying trends and risk factors over a 13-year period.

Findings

Reports of violence increased from 1.9% in 2009 to 16.9% in 2022.

Women made up 80.8% of victims, with a mean age of 33.19 years.

Intimate partners were the most common perpetrators, and 36.3% of cases involved multiple types of violence.

Abstract

Interpersonal violence involves intentional physical harm or force with psychological effects, influenced by interpersonal and societal factors. Health systems play a vital role in detecting and addressing such violence, requiring improved training and surveillance. Our hospital established a registry of suspected violence cases reported by healthcare professionals to enhance understanding, prevention strategies, and recognition of violence types and risk factors. Since 2009, all admitted patients suspected of experiencing violence were included, regardless of age or gender. Data from 2009 to 2022 covered demographics, violence details, medical interventions, and legal actions. Among 1284 patients, 83.4% were seen in the emergency department, with women comprising 80.8%, and with a mean age of 33.19 years. Reports of violence rose from 1.9% in 2009 to 16.9% in 2022. Risk factors included pregnancy [5.6%], age below 18 or over 80 [18.9%], disability [10.2%], and psychiatric conditions [11.3%]. Perpetrators were known in 56.8% of cases, mainly intimate partners [25.2%], with 29.4% of victims living with the aggressor. Doctors were primary reporters, and injury reports were issued in 65.5% of cases. Violence types included physical [44.5%], sexual [22.4%], psychological [13.3%], and economic [12.5%], with 36.3% of cases involving multiple types. Routine hospital screening and trained staff can improve victim support and enable injury prevention programs.

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