Abstract

This prospective descriptive cross-sectional study analysed 100 assault victims presenting to the casualty department of Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Kelambakkam, Tamil Nadu, over a one-year period. The study aimed to describe the demographic profile, incident characteristics, injury patterns, treatment requirements, and medico-legal aspects of assault cases. Young adults were predominantly affected, with the highest proportion in the 21–30 years age group (43%), and males constituted 71% of victims. Street-related assaults (40%) and home-based assaults (38%) were the most common settings, while 57% of victims identified the assailant as a known person. Personal conflict emerged as the leading motive (57%), followed by intoxication-related violence (23%). Blunt force trauma was the predominant mechanism of injury, and grievous injuries accounted for 65% of cases, with the head and neck region frequently involved. Hospital admission was required in 75% of patients, reflecting the significant clinical burden of assault-related trauma. Medico-legal procedures, including MLC registration and police intimation, were appropriately followed in most cases. The findings highlight the substantial healthcare and forensic burden of assault injuries and emphasise the need for targeted violence prevention strategies, public awareness, and strengthened coordination between healthcare and law enforcement systems.

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