Work

Craniofacial injuries in victims of non-fatal intimate partner violence treated in US emergency departments, 2018–2022

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health crisis, and craniofacial injuries are among the most common consequences. However, nationwide estimates of IPV-related craniofacial injuries remain limited. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of non-fatal IPV-related injuries using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)-All Injury Program from 2018 to 2022. Cases were restricted to intentional assaults from a spouse or intimate partner. Craniofacial injuries were defined as injuries to the head, face, mouth, eyeball, neck, or ear. National estimates were generated using NEISS sampling weights, and rates per 100,000 population were calculated using US Census denominators stratified by sex, age, and race/ethnicity. Results: An estimated 888,279 emergency department visits were attributable to IPV-related injury during the study period, of which 58.3% (517,769 cases) involved craniofacial trauma. Female patients comprised the majority of cases (81.9%), experiencing an average annual rate of 97.6 per 100,000 compared with 20.4 per 100,000 for males. The highest rates were observed among women aged 20-26 (223.1 per 100,000) and 27-34 years (232.7 per 100,000). Black patients had the highest racial/ethnic burden (62.9 per 100,000), nearly four times higher than non-Hispanic white patients. Common diagnoses included internal injuries (28.9%), contusions/abrasions (28.0%), lacerations (17.4%), and concussions (4.2%). Most injuries occurred at home (85.2%) and resulted from being struck or hit (92.2%). Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention, improved clinical recognition, and survivor-centered services addressing the neurological and psychosocial consequences of IPV-related head trauma.

Source: Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open

DOI: 10.1136/tsaco-2025-002068

Authors: Gia Elise Barboza, Amy Watson-Grace

Institution: The Ohio State University

Language: English

Topic: Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,100