Interpersonal Violence Against Children and Adolescents: A Forensic Study From Greece

Objective To investigate differences in victimization of minors after allegations of domestic violence and community violence. Methods This retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the archive of clinical examinations after allegations for interpersonal violence against minors that were performed at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of our Medical School from 2012 to 2016. Results 216 cases of allegations for victimization of minors' were referred to our department, representing 8.8% of all clinical forensic examinations. Boys community violence victims were affected mainly on the head, whilst girls mainly on the genital area. Upper limbs were the predominant site of injuries on domestic violence victims of both sexes. Conclusions Adolescents were in greater danger of sustaining injuries than younger children. Upper limb injuries may prove to be a useful screening tool for domestic violence in school-age children and adolescents, while trunk injuries may indicate domestic violence in preschool children.

Automated summary

This retrospective study aimed to investigate differences in victimization of minors after allegations of domestic violence and community violence. The results showed that adolescents were more likely to sustain injuries than younger children. Upper limb injuries may be a useful screening tool for domestic violence in school-age children and adolescents, while trunk injuries may indicate domestic violence in preschool children.