Repeat assault injuries: A scoping review of the incidence and associated risk factors. Issue 10 (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Strauss, Rachel; Menchetti, Isabella; Nantais, Jordan; Saunders, Natasha; Snider, Carolyn; Lightfoot, David; Gomez, David
• Is Part Of: Injury. Volume 53:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 3078
• Page End: 3087
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Violence -- Injury prevention -- Scoping review; Wounds and injuries -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Periodicals; Wounds and Injuries -- surgery -- Periodicals; Lésions et blessures -- Chirurgie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2022.08.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-1383

Abstract

Highlights: Repeat assault is a significant public health issue. Youth, racialized and marginalized groups, and those with mental health concerns or contact with the criminal justice system were most at-risk for repeat assault. Our findings suggest that early intervention targeted to at-risk groups will be important in developing effective prevention strategies. Abstract: Objective: Individuals who experience assault are at high risk of being re-assaulted. Our objective was to identify reported incidences of re-assault and associated risk factors to better inform prevention strategies. Methods: We conducted a scoping review and searched databases (MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Reviews, and Scopus) and grey literature. We performed abstract and full-text screening, and abstracted incidence of re-assault and information related to age, sex, socioeconomic status, mental illness, and incarceration. Results: We included 32 articles. Studies varied based on setting where index assaults were captured (n=18 inpatient only, n=13 emergency department or inpatient, n=1 other). Reported incidences ranged from 0.8% over one month to 62% through the lifetime. Important risk factors identified include young age, low socioeconomic status, racialized groups, history of mental illness or substance use disorder, and history of incarceration. Conclusions: Rates of re-assault are high and early intervention is necessary for prevention. We identified notable risk factors that require further in-depth analysis, including sex, gender and age-stratified analyses. Policy implications: Key risk factors identified should inform timely and targeted intervention strategies for prevention.