Studies that provide accurate descriptions of the occurrence of fatal strangulation events are limited, both in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. The current study describes the extent and distribution of female and male homicidal strangulation in the City of Johannesburg for the period 2001-2010. The study is a register-based cross sectional study of homicidal strangulation that draws on data recorded by the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System. Crude, unadjusted strangulation rates, and proportions of strangulation across specific circumstances of occurrence were computed for each year and aggregated in some instances. Results indicated fatal strangulation to be the fourth leading cause of homicide in the City of Johannesburg. A total of 334 strangulation homicides were recorded, representing an average annual strangulation homicide rate of 0.90 per 100,000 population. Gender disproportionality in victimisation was reflected in the average annual rate of 1.03 per 100,000 population for females and 0.74 per 100,000 population for males. The highest rates were recorded among the elderly, and amongst coloured females and white males. Temporal and spatial descriptions indicated that victims were strangled primarily during the day, over the weekday period, and in private locations. When the scene of death was considered by race and age group, results indicated the victimisation of white females and males in private places, and the elderly in private settings. The majority of strangulation victims tested negative for alcohol. The results highlight the need for multi-level prevention strategies that target specific risk groups and situations.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2015.11.005 | DOI Listing |
Forensic Sci Int
December 2024
Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia; The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, 720 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
Autoerotic asphyxial deaths are a rare but recurring phenomenon, the most common modality of which involves neck compression. Autoerotic neck compression can involve any compression to the neck during individual sexual activity performed to heighten arousal. This retrospective study examines 72 such deaths occurring in Australia between 2000 and 2022.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFForensic Sci Med Pathol
September 2024
Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Health, Aarhus, 8200, Denmark.
Asphyxia as a cause of death poses a diagnostic challenge in forensic medicine due to both the diversity of underlying mechanisms, and lack of specific markers. Acute emphysema or acute alveolar dilation have long been debated as potential findings in these asphyxia cases. To further explore the supplementary findings in our forensic asphyxia cases, this study applied lung densitometry to pulmonary postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
July 2024
Department of Forensic Medicine and Deontology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, BGR.
Autoerotic death, as a subtype of mechanical asphyxia, refers to a person's fatal outcome while engaging in solitary sexual activity using various devices and methods to reduce oxygen supply and induce cerebral hypoxia, leading to increased sexual gratification. These asphyxial deaths are accidental and sporadic. In cases of sexual asphyxia, especially when strangulation methods such as hanging or ligature are used, thorough crime scene investigation is crucial to determine the type of asphyxia and the manner of death.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFClin Ter
August 2024
Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
Leg Med (Tokyo)
November 2024
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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