Criminology Research Council grant ; (28/88)
This report primarily studies the victims of violence who presented as "alleged assaults" to the Accident and Emergency Centres (AECs) of St Vincent's in the six-month period from 25 December 1988 to 30 June 1989, and also to Albury Base Hospital in NSW in the three months from December 1991 to March 1992 and at two hospitals in Victoria - Wodonga District Hospital and Wangaratta District Base Hospital in the six months from January 1992 to June 1992.
A comprehensive profile of these cases is revealed from the structured Victim Survey that was the research tool. A further survey of the nursing staff at St Vincent's Hospital demonstrates that staff are often required to cope with violence against self and that guidelines and education are required to assist them to deal effectively with this situation.
This study demonstrates that the victims of violence are a significant population within the cases seen in busy accident and emergency departments both in metropolitan and country hospitals. The report also gives strong indications that violence is a prevalent problem for the whole community. This is a problem which cannot be conveniently brushed aside as media sensationalism. Evidence of this is revealed through a comparison of the "alleged assault" presentations with the "worker's compensation, motor vehicle accidents, alcohol and drug related" presentations at St Vincent's General Hospital. Additionally, these figures are correlated with local and statewide police figures on violence and related to the reporting of incidents to the police.
Data produced on cases of violence presenting to AECs are a valuable source of additional information for police, policy analysts, and health planners. Recommendations for the AEC include establishment of a computerised information system in each AEC, education for all staff members in the recognition of victims of violence, in handling the victims, their relatives and friends, and in engendering an awareness of the support systems available for them.
Education is also required in handling and treating violence victims, in dealing with violent and potentially violent situations and in the defusing of the aggression generated. Further recommendations include education for the prevention of violence commencing at the earliest possible age, involving the community in projects which encourage service to and caring for others, projects which emphasise the role of alcohol in contributing to violence, and in projects which will provide alternative options for dealing with situations which would usually generate violent reactions or behaviours.