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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective To study some medicolegal aspects of family violence cases at Menoufia University hospital beginning from 1 June 2009 to 31 May 2011 in terms of sociodemographic pattern, injuries pattern, relation between family violence and substance abuse, and outcome of these cases. Background Family violence occurs in all socioeconomic groups, in every race, ethnic group, religion, and also in same-sex relationships and it can be perpetrated by both men and women. It may be called battery, child abuse, elder abuse, intimate partner violence, family violence or domestic violence, and other violent acts between family members. Patients and methods This was a prospective study including all family violence cases after obtaining their written valid consents, and clinical sheets were obtained including assessment of history and examination. Results A total of 472 cases were studied. Physical violence constituted 98.5% (465 cases) and sexual violence constituted 1.5% (seven cases) of cases. Most violence occurred indoor (84.7%) and in a repeated manner (80.7%). Social causes of violence (50.2%) outnumbered other causes, followed by economic causes (28.2%). The most common assailants in family violence were husbands (23%), followed by brothers (16%). Most of the assailants were men (89.2%), from rural areas (71.8%), of low socioeconomic standard (53.2%). Sexual violence was significantly associated with lower age of victims and assailants. Conclusion Family violence was mainly of the physical type. Most of the assailants were men. Social and economic causes were the main causes. Sexual violence was significantly associated with lower age of victims and assailants.

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