Non-fatal strangulation versus general assault in a clinical forensic medicine cohort: Characteristics of patient, perpetrator and presentation

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q3 MEDICINE, LEGAL

Journal of forensic and legal medicine Pub Date : 2024-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102651

Vanita Parekh , Anna Brkic , Janine McMinn , David Williams , Jane Van Diemen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Interpersonal violence impacts communities, victims, perpetrators, families, and children. This audit of 315 cases of non-sexual assault compares characteristics of general assault to those of non-fatal strangulation (NFS).

Method

Clinical review of all cases referred to Clinical Forensics Australian Capital Territory (CFACT) by ACT Policing between 2018 and 2022, following allegations of non-sexual assault. Descriptions of the model of care, victim characteristics, alleged perpetrators, and presentations in NFS versus general assault, from forensic medical examination.

Results

Patients: Of 315 cases, 170 were victims of NFS, females (153/170, 90%), males 16/170 (9%), and one person with another preferred term. General assault cases comprised 145/315 (46%) presentations, 69/145 (47.6%) patients being female, 76/145 (52.4%) male. A majority of individuals who experienced NFS 113/170 (66%) presented within 12 h of the events, 41% of victims thought they might die during the NFS. Perpetrators: Most NFS perpetrators were male (161/170: 95%), NFS was mostly perpetrated by a partner 104/170 (62%), ex-partner 35/170 (21%), or family member 17/170 (10%). Repeated assaults by the same perpetrator was common 109/170 (64%). Children were present in 48/170 (28%) cases of NFS.

Discussion

NFS is gendered violence overwhelmingly affecting women, many experience NFS repeatedly. Later presentation may affect clinical signs, symptoms, and evidence collection. Forensic medicine management of NFS provides an opportunity to effect change, especially in those who thought they may die during the attack. Intervention to prevent trauma in children may be enabled by reporting their presence during an assault. Twenty-four-hour service provision enables both clinical and forensic assessment following NFS.

Conclusions

NFS is gendered, mostly affecting women, occurs in a family violence context, perpetrated by current and/or ex-partners, and often occurs with children present. Clinical forensic medicine doctors can provide care and support, provide referrals, and collect forensic medical evidence to support legal process.

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临床法医学队列中的非致命性勒死与一般攻击：患者、犯罪者和表现形式的特征

背景人际暴力影响着社区、受害者、施暴者、家庭和儿童。方法对澳大利亚首都直辖区警方在2018年至2022年期间转交给澳大利亚首都直辖区临床法医中心（CFACT）的所有案件进行临床审查，这些案件是在接到非性侵犯指控后转交给临床法医中心的。通过法医检查描述护理模式、受害者特征、被指控的施暴者以及非性侵犯与一般侵犯的表现形式：在 315 个病例中，170 人为非性侵犯受害者，其中女性（153/170，90%），男性 16/170（9%），另有一人使用了其他首选术语。一般袭击病例占 145/315（46%）例，其中女性 69/145（47.6%）例，男性 76/145（52.4%）例。大多数经历过 NFS 的人 113/170 （66%）在事件发生后 12 小时内就诊，41% 的受害者认为自己可能会在 NFS 期间死亡。施暴者：大多数 NFS 施暴者为男性（161/170：95%），NFS 大多由伴侣 104/170 （62%）、前伴侣 35/170 （21%）或家庭成员 17/170 （10%）实施。同一施暴者反复实施攻击的情况很普遍，有 109/170 例（64%）。48/170（28%）例 NFS 患者中有儿童。较晚出现可能会影响临床体征、症状和证据收集。法医学对 NFS 的处理提供了一个改变的机会，尤其是那些认为自己可能会在袭击中死亡的人。通过报告儿童在袭击中的存在，可以采取干预措施预防儿童创伤。二十四小时服务可在 NFS 发生后进行临床和法医评估。结论 NFS 具有性别特征，主要影响女性，发生在家庭暴力背景下，由现任和/或前任伴侣实施，并且经常在儿童在场的情况下发生。临床法医可提供护理和支持，提供转诊，并收集法医证据以支持法律程序。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of forensic and legal medicine MEDICINE, LEGAL-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

106

审稿时长

57 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine publishes topical articles on aspects of forensic and legal medicine. Specifically the Journal supports research that explores the medical principles of care and forensic assessment of individuals, whether adult or child, in contact with the judicial system. It is a fully peer-review hybrid journal with a broad international perspective. The Journal accepts submissions of original research, review articles, and pertinent case studies, editorials, and commentaries in relevant areas of Forensic and Legal Medicine, Context of Practice, and Education and Training. The Journal adheres to strict publication ethical guidelines, and actively supports a culture of inclusive and representative publication.