Background Violence against women is a global problem affecting different social and economic classes. The present study aimed to identify the impact of domestic violence on the health status of women abused by their intimate partner. Methods This is a cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of women who were examined at the forensic exploration unit of Annaba Hospital over a period of 3 months (first quarter of 2018). In all, 200 women were recruited among those who had been abused by the intimate partner. Results One in ten women who consulted was a victim of domestic violence (9.36%). The average age was 33.91+/−9.02 years, with extremes from 19 to 65 years. There were multiple consequences, including physical injuries (bruises, fractures), many sequelae (neurosensory and functional deficits), and acute stress and anxiety disorders requiring appropriate care and social consequences (lack of resources, divorce). Forty percent of the interviewed victims had a general comorbidity, three quarters of whom had a worsening of their previous pathology. All forms of violence were present with varying frequencies, especially psychological violence with an extremely high frequency and sexual violence of remarkable severity. Many negative effects were identified; an association of suicide attempts and sexual violence (P = 0.0020) was rated. Conclusions The impact of this form of abuse is considerable and concerns mental, physical, and social health. We have to anticipate and raise the awareness of care providers of its consequences.

Background Domestic violence is a real public health problem with considerable consequences, ranging from minor injuries to death. Our study aims to determine the epidemiological and forensic characteristics relating to the violent mortality of women, and more particularly spousal homicide. Methods To do this, a double survey was conducted. The first step was descriptive and retrospective, and the second survey was analytical and prospective. This latter step covered the most populous age group of murdered women in Algeria, which is eighteen-year-old and over, and subjected a number of these female victims to a medico-judicial autopsy at the level of the thanatology unit for over four years counting two years for each survey (2017–2018 and 2019–2020). Data were entered and processed using Epi-info6 software. Results During the initial period of our study, we identified 35 cases of violent deaths involving women and representing a frequency of 5.71% of the thanatological activity. During the second period, 12 spousal homicides were recorded and autopsied, representing a frequency of 1.79% of all forensic deaths in the corresponding study period. The average age of the victims was evaluated at 33 ± 12.91 years, with extremes of 19 to 56 years. The age of the perpetrators of spousal homicide was evaluated at 42 ± 10.76 years with extremes ranging from 30 to 60 years. For victims of violent death and spousal homicide, inactivity was a strongly implicated risk factor, with respective frequencies of (88.57%) and (58.33%). Two-thirds of the persecuted women were completely unknown to the healthcare environment and had never consulted a medical professional. This parameter could be one of the predictive signs of spousal homicide. The marital home was the preferred location for violent deaths and spousal homicides. These crimes occurred variably during the period of marriage and eventually after divorce. As for the modus operandi, the perpetrators use many sharp and spinous weapons, including firearms and blunt objects. Conclusion Autopsy and medico-legal investigations took a decisive interest in the identification of the causes of spousal homicide; indeed, many serious traumatic lesions incompatible with life have been highlighted. We underline the crucial role that healthcare professionals must play in the process of identifying and evaluating potentially risky situations.