The Role of Psychiatric Examination in the Forensic Medical Documentation of Repetitive Partner Violence Against Women

Objective:The aim of this study is to discuss the medicolegal significance of psychological examinations for documentation of repeated partner violence by evaluating the results of forensic reports prepared for such cases in detail. Methods:Case files with completed indictments between June 1, 2020, and December 1, 2020, were retrospectively examined by the Public Prosecutor responsible for the Domestic Violence and Violence Against Women Bureaus in Samsun.A sample of 141 women, aged 18 and above, who had previously reported violence by the same partner, was selected.The study focused on analyzing the forensic reports. Results:In the psychiatric examination section, it was noted that examinations were not conducted in 74.5% (n=102) of cases, were simply mentioned in 19% (n=26), and no psychopathology was found in 2.9% (n=4).Psychological examinations were not performed in 72.4% (n=63) of cases with mild injuries that could be treated with simple medical interventions.In cases where the report stated no signs of physical violence, 72.2% (n=13) did not undergo a psychological examination. Conclusion:In the medico-legal assessment of women subjected to repeated partner violence, who represent a special group with a high incidence of psychopathologies, appropriate examination conditions are often not provided, and psychological examinations are not conducted.A detailed psychological examination can more clearly establish the severity of injuries, and in cases where there is no evidence, causation between trauma and psychological findings in the conclusion section of forensic reports can guide the judiciary.