Tracking Interpersonal Violence: A 13-Year Review of Cases in a Referral Hospital (2009–2022)

Andrés Santiago-Sáez (), Montserrat Lázaro del Nogal, Patricia Villavicencio Carrillo, María Teresa Martín Acero, Cesáreo Fernández Alonso and Raquel Lana Soto
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Andrés Santiago-Sáez: Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Member of Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Calle del Prof Martín Lagos, s/n, Moncloa–Aravaca, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Montserrat Lázaro del Nogal: Geriatric Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, Commission Against Violence at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Patricia Villavicencio Carrillo: Psychic Trauma Unit of Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Faculty of Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
María Teresa Martín Acero: Health Department, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Cesáreo Fernández Alonso: Emergency Service, Hospital Clinico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Raquel Lana Soto: Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Commission Against Violence, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Interpersonal violence involves intentional physical harm or force with psychological effects, influenced by interpersonal and societal factors. Health systems play a vital role in detecting and addressing such violence, requiring improved training and surveillance. Our hospital established a registry of suspected violence cases reported by healthcare professionals to enhance understanding, prevention strategies, and recognition of violence types and risk factors. Since 2009, all admitted patients suspected of experiencing violence were included, regardless of age or gender. Data from 2009 to 2022 covered demographics, violence details, medical interventions, and legal actions. Among 1284 patients, 83.4% were seen in the emergency department, with women comprising 80.8%, and with a mean age of 33.19 years. Reports of violence rose from 1.9% in 2009 to 16.9% in 2022. Risk factors included pregnancy [5.6%], age below 18 or over 80 [18.9%], disability [10.2%], and psychiatric conditions [11.3%]. Perpetrators were known in 56.8% of cases, mainly intimate partners [25.2%], with 29.4% of victims living with the aggressor. Doctors were primary reporters, and injury reports were issued in 65.5% of cases. Violence types included physical [44.5%], sexual [22.4%], psychological [13.3%], and economic [12.5%], with 36.3% of cases involving multiple types. Routine hospital screening and trained staff can improve victim support and enable injury prevention programs.

Keywords: interpersonal violence; risk factors; prevention strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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