Epidemiological profile and craniofacial features of child and adolescent victims of physical violence in a mid-to-large city in western Paraná, Brazil, 2012-2013

This retrospective study investigated the epidemiological profile of physical violence in children and adolescents (0-19 years) in Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil. Iit utilized secondary data from bodily injury reports collected from 2012-2013 at the Forensic Medical Institute. Exclusions included cases of traffic accidents, self-harm, and sexual activity; perpetrator data were unavailable due to national privacy laws. Dentistry students systematically assessed case numbers, victim demographics (gender, race, age), and detailed injury types and causes, with an emphasis on intraoral and head/neck regions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Key findings revealed a predominant victim profile of adolescents (13-19 years), males (62.8%), and white individuals (63.5%). Among extraoral findings (59 cases), 89.8% involved soft tissue injuries (primarily lips), with 3.4% exhibiting combined soft tissue and dental damage. Abrasions (24.2%) and bruises (14.87%) were the most prevalent injury types, indicative of superficial and impact traumas. Blunt instruments were implicated in 85.1% of injuries, and physical assault constituted the primary cause in 90.9% of cases. The study concludes that male, white adolescents are disproportionately affected by craniofacial and extraoral injuries, underscoring the critical need for targeted prevention strategies and strengthened public policies. Furthermore, the absence of detailed orofacial reports suggests a potential lack of dedicated forensic odontology expertise at Cascavel's Medical Examiner's Office.