Trends in community violence in England and Wales 1995–1998: an accident and emergency department perspective

Abstract

Objectives—To identify overall, seasonal, sex and age specific national trends in community violence from an accident and emergency (A&E) department perspective.

Design and Setting—Prospective collection of national violence data from a stratified random sample of 33 A&E departments in England and Wales.

Methods—Data were analysed for the three years from May 1995 to April 1998. Time series statistical methods were used to detect trends among those aged 0–10, 11–17, 18–30, 31–50 and 51 + years.

Results—121 475 assaults were identified: 89 533 (74%) men sustained injury. Forty five per cent were aged 18–30. The significant trends were an increase in injured women and those aged 31–50. Significant seasonal trends were identified for both sexes and all age groups: peaks were found in July to September and troughs in February to April.

Conclusions—There was no overall significant change in levels of violence between 1995–1998 from an A&E department perspective. Numbers of women injured and those aged 31–50 increased significantly. The incidence of injury sustained in community violence is biphasic: is highest during July to September and lowest during February to April. National A&E department violence surveillance provides a unique perspective.