Forensic characterization of female homicides, based on statistical information from postmortem reports conducted at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, 2021 to 2023

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the medico-legal aspects of homicides involving women, based on statistical data derived from post-mortem reports conducted at the headquarters of the Institute of Legal Medicine during the period 2021 to 2023. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional case series study was carried out. The data were sourced from statistical records derived from post-mortem examinations performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine during the 2021–2023 period. The study included all 32 documented cases, representing 100% of the universe; therefore, no sampling strategy was employed. Results: The main demographic characteristics were as follows: age group 31–40 years (28.1%), housewives (53.1%), incomplete primary education (28.1%), and in a relationship (40.6% in common-law unions and 6.2% married).  The majority of the perpetrators were either current or former intimate partners (34.3%) or family members (18.7%). Most of the homicides occurred in the shared residence of the victim and the aggressor (28.1%). The leading causes of death included stab wounds (40.6%), mechanical asphyxiation (28.1%), and gunshot wounds (18.7%). Most victims sustained multiple types of injuries, with the most frequent being abrasions (50.0%), contusions (46.8%), stab wounds (34.3%), hematomas (25.0%), and gunshot injuries (18.7%). Injuries were commonly found in multiple anatomical regions, most notably the neck (46.8%), upper limbs (40.6%), head (37.5%), and anterior thorax (37.5%). Overkill was identified in 18.7% of the cases, signs of torture in 6.2%, defensive wounds in 37.5%, and signs of sexual violence in 15.6%. Toxicological analyses tested positive for ethyl alcohol in 28.1% of cases, psychotropic substances in 12.5%, cocaine in 6.2%, and marijuana in 3.1%.