A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia showed a dramatic increase in assaults resulting in major trauma in Victoria.

The investigation, led by Phebe O'Mullane from the Alfred Hospital's Trauma and Emergency Centre, Melbourne, reviewed data collected between July 2001 and June 2007 by the Victorian State Trauma Registry.

The incidence of assault causing serious injury more than doubled over the 6 years, from 1.6 per 100 000 in 2001-02 to 4.2 per 100 000 in 2006-07. This increase was due to an increase in blunt-trauma assaults (eg, assaults with a fist or baseball bat), rather than penetrating trauma (eg, gun-shot or knife wounds).

The results showed 803 adults were admitted to Victorian hospitals with assault-related major trauma over the 6 years. Blunt trauma accounted for about 60 per cent of cases, and penetrating trauma for the remaining 40 per cent.

Most victims were men (90%), and more than half were younger than 35.

The study also showed victims of bashing were more likely to have serious head injuries (82%), and a quarter of these required hospital rehabilitation. Victims with penetrating trauma were more likely to die in hospital (11% versus 5% of those with blunt trauma).

Six months after the assault fewer than 20% of those who survived had recovered completely, and outcomes were worse for those with blunt trauma than for those with penetrating trauma.

The statements or opinions that are expressed in the MJA reflect the views of the authors and do not represent the official policy of the AMA unless that is so stated.

Medical Journal of Australia