Assault by burning and its relationship to social circumstances

The phenomenon of burns through assault seen amongst patients admitted to the Burn Unit of Tygerberg Hospital is increasing drastically. This paper reports the results of a study which examined the possible relationship between the above-named phenomenon and socioeconomic factors of 50 coloured and black patients amongst whom this form of assault is mainly found. The social behaviour of the patients as well as their housing conditions, employment, income, religious practices, use of leisure time, etc. were examined and shortcomings in all these areas were found to be related to the patients' methods of settling conflict.