Thinking about violence: do surgeons have a role outside the operating theatre?

Abstract

All surgical subspecialties involve the management of trauma. Surgeons meet trauma in many guises, mostly as accidents involving vehicles or falls. They also meet the trauma of violence. Violence is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the intentional use of physical force or power against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation.