A 10-year retrospective study of child homicides brought to the mortuary of A Tertiary Care Hospital in Imphal

Abstract

Lethal violence against children can occur in a continuum of violence, representing the culmination of various forms of violence that children may be subjected to in different settings. The purpose of the present study was to identify demographic variables and various causes of child deaths, from cases brought to the mortuary of a tertiary care hospital in Imphal. Demographic profile, pattern of injuries and modes of homicide were reviewed from the autopsy reports. A total of 70 known child homicides were autopsied in the mortuary of a tertiary care hospital in Imphal between 2011 and 2020. The majority of children were between 14-18 years of age, and the most common cause of death was blunt trauma. Most of the perpetrators were unknown. There was a gradual decline in the incidence towards the later part of the study period. The rate of lethal victimization as a whole rose with age. Gender disparities in homicide rates increased sharply after the age of 14. In the neonatal period female cases were more. This study was done to analyze the causes and risk factors in order to formulate preventive measures. It is suggested that effective implementation and enforcement of laws will protect our children from lethal victimization.