Assault: characteristics of victims attending an inner-city hospital

Abstract

To characterize victims of assault attending a district general hospital, 294 consecutive patients were interviewed and examined. The group included 249 men (median age 23 years, range 13-62 years) and 45 women (median age 23 years, range 15-46 years). The 15-30 years age group, single males, and the unemployed were over-represented (P = less than 0.001). Fewer than expected were professionals or aged 10-15 years or over 50 years. The ethnic background was not significantly different from the Bristol population. Facial injury was extremely common; 89 per cent of fractures, 70 per cent of wounds and 56 per cent of haematomas affected the face. Only 32 per cent of patients were assaulted within their home ward (13 per cent at home) and most assaults took place in the city centre on Fridays and Saturdays, between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m. and in or near public houses and clubs or in the street. Only 29 per cent of assaults were claimed to be unprovoked. Alcohol intake immediately preceding injury was reported by 73 per cent of victims (range 1-34 units) and blood ethanol levels corresponded with this intake. Victims reported police involvement in 54 per cent of cases, but police lists of 'woundings' included only 23 per cent of patients assaulted in central Bristol. Admission of victims was 17 per cent.