[Late sequelae of violence seen from victims' perspective].
Hospital accident and emergency (A&E) departments frequently treat victims of interpersonal violence. This study of 1,451 victims treated at the A&E departments of Aarhus University Hospital during a one-year period (1993-94) aims at illuminating some of the sequelae of victims. A questionnaire survey was carried out two years later to obtain information on medical after-treatment, the extent of sick leaves, and the victims' personal costs. One in two assault victims needed further medical treatment. 7.5% were admitted to hospital and 20% were referred to the out-patient clinic in the hospital or to follow-up treatment in general practice. The median sick leave period was eight days. Two years after the violence took place, 21.8% of all assault victims claimed that they had cosmetic sequelae, 14.7% had persistent pain. 38.1% said they were afraid to enter certain neighbourhoods or places; 41.2% had frequently or occasionally thought about the assault. The study has revealed some aspects of the personal costs, discomfort and trouble that victims of violence experience.
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Ulykkes Analyse Centret, Arhus Amtssygehus.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D017281:Cost of Illness; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D017579:Domestic Violence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy