Emergency medicine Australasia : EMA
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Emerg Med Australas · Jul 2024
More than meets the eye: Lid and conjunctival injuries in cases of non-sexual assault are frequently accompanied by non-fatal strangulation.
To determine the associations between lid and conjunctival injuries (LACI), non-fatal strangulation (NFS) and domestic family violence (DFV) in non-sexual assault. ⋯ LACI is frequently associated with NFS and/or DFV. Since NFS increases future homicide attempts and events more than sixfold, LACI is an important signal about a patient's homicide risk, expanding the dimensions of the care needed. Those experiencing LACI during an assault also need to be referred for comprehensive eye examination as soon as possible. With consent, systematic forensic photography of LACI enables its assessment and documentation, which assists the legal process. These conclusions should drive legislative consideration and reform, plus expanded education for clinicians and police.