The gentle sex? Assaults on women by women.

Abstract

Assaults on women have been the subject of many studies. (Gayford, 1979; Steinmetz, 1980; Knopp, 1984; Tanne, 1992). The concept of the 'battered wife' is widely accepted (Gayford, 1979). Organizations exist to offer help, counselling and places of safety to victims. However, recent Chief Constables' reports have highlighted an increase in the number of violent crimes perpetrated by women. Therefore, a study was instigated to assess all female victims of assault that attended the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) of St James' Hospital, to ascertain if violence to women, by women, is a significant problem.