Citation

Magli F, Franceschetti L, Maggioni L, Cerutti E, Armocida A, Marzagalia M, Muccino A, Kustermann A, Cattaneo C. Torture 2019; 29(1): 47-55.

Affiliation

LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, 20133, Milan, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims)

DOI

10.7146/torture.v29i1.111067

PMID

31264815

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Changing patterns of migration has required states and governments to respond to the specific medical and legal needs of asylum seekers. Based on medical assessments undertaken at the University Institute of Legal Medicine, the present study aims to describe the cases of asylum applicants who have suffered from physical violence, including torture, and the variables involved.

METHODS: Over a 10-year period, 225 survivors were examined by clinical forensic professionals from the University Institute of Legal Medicine.

RESULTS: 85% of asylum applicants came from Africa, 87% were male, and the most common age group was 26-40 years old. 46% of applicants fled their country for political reasons. Blunt force injuries were reported in 45% of cases, the trunk was the most affected area of the body (40%), and applicants presented with an average of two different mechanisms of lesions and an average of four lesions each.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Assessment of physical violence on asylum seekers requires the cooperation of professionals with different skillsets and training.

Language: en