Surgical, socio-economic and forensic aspects of assault: a review

The incidence of violent crime is increasing and assault is now the most frequent cause of maxillofacial trauma to patients seen at many British Hospitals. Many victims have exclusively facial injuries. Though these are often minor compared to those from other causes, they are important signs of underlying social pathology. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons should understand the aetiology and social background of racial and other innercity violence, family violence and football hooliganism, particularly in relation to alcohol and unemployment. Surgical records are accurate, but largely untapped sources of information concerning violent crime.