[Strangulation fatalities in childhood]

Abstract

The 12,000 obductions at the Institute for Forensic Medicine of the University of Hamburg from 1981 to 1990 included 30 cases of strangulation in children up to the age of 14 years (16 females, 14 males). 7 of these cases had been accidents (during infancy), 18 children had been murdered (all age groups), 4 children (elder ones) had committed suicide. In one case it could not be decided whether the reason of death had been suicide or an accident. Summarized data concerning epidemiological, phenomenological and morphological aspects are presented. Two case histories give some hints to special aspects of accidental strangulation and homicide among children.