Facial injuries in victims of domestic violence: a scoping review

Abstract

Contextualization: Facial injuries resulting from domestic violence (DV) are particularly devastating as they affect the victim's identity, given that the face is a key symbol of recognition and self-image. Objective: To map and synthesize the scientific literature on the most common facial injuries in DV victims. Methods: This Scoping Review followed the guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR. The research question was defined using the Population, Concept, and Context strategy, with the study registered on the Open Science Framework platform. Included studies were published in indexed journals without date restrictions, excluding non-indexed articles, editorials, theses, and studies outside the scope. Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE using MeSH terms, and the selected studies were reviewed. Results: Out of 2,594 articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria. Published between 2010 and 2024 in countries such as Brazil, the United States, Australia, Turkey, Israel, Iran, and India, they primarily involved retrospective analyses and systematic reviews. Common injuries include fractures of the nasal, zygomatic, and maxillary bones, lacerations, and bruises, predominantly affecting young women (20–29 years). Rural contexts showed higher prevalence. Conclusion: The study revealed methodological and geographical diversity, highlighting bone fractures and soft tissue injuries.