Profile of Assault Cases in Patiala

This study comprised of 100 assault cases presenting to the casualty department of our institution from January to December 2011. The most common age group affected was 21–30 years (36%). Males constituted 78% cases and females were the victims in 22% cases and the male to female ratio was 3.54. Most of the victims belonged to rural areas (57%) and the rural/urban ratio was 1.7. Educationally, most of the victims were illiterates (39%) while the most common occupation was found to be labourer (38%). Blunt weapon was found to be most frequently used (65%). The most frequently affected region of the body was head & neck (71%). Multiple injuries constituted the largest group (51%) while bruise was the single most common type of injury observed (15%).