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Investigators described the demographics, emergency department (ED) utilization, and risk factors for youth (ages, 14–24) presenting to an urban Level I trauma center ED in Michigan for assault-related injuries. Overall, 718 assault-injured youth (mean age, 20; 49% female) and 730 age- and gender-matched controls presenting for non-violence–related reasons completed the self-administered behavioral risk–assessment survey.
Of assault-injured youth, 68% were assaulted by someone they knew; 21% of assaults were associated with substance use; 15% were committed with sharp objects; and 14% with firearms. Causes of assault included self-defense (26%), anger (25%), territory concerns (23%), and retaliation (9%).
During the previous 6-month period, 8…