Evaluation of socio-demographic characteristics, childhood traumasand aggression levels of adult patients applying for criminal responsibility assessment in the Forensic Medicine Department

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, childhood traumas, and levels of aggression in individuals applying for criminal responsibility assessment and to evaluate their influence on criminal behavior. Socio-demographic, familial, clinical, and crime-related characteristics of 50 individuals sent for criminal responsibility assessment to the Forensic Medicine Department of Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, were prospectively recorded. The Childhood Trauma Scale and Buss-Perry Aggression Scale were administered to the applicants. Psychiatric disorders were present in 88% of the applicants. Full criminal responsibility was reported in 78%, decreased in 12%, and abolished in 10%. Forty-eight percent of applicants committed property crimes, while 36% committed violent crimes. The mean score for childhood trauma scale was 52.3±20.7, and the mean score for the Buss-Perry aggression scale was 99.7±24.5. Parental neglect, domestic violence, family history of psychiatric illness, and smoking were associated with childhood trauma, while alcohol use was associated with aggression. Individuals with behavior and personality disorders, substance users, suicide attempters, and repeat offenders showed higher levels of both childhood trauma and aggression. There was no difference in scale scores based on the type of crime committed. Emotional abuse, neglect, and total childhood trauma scores were positively correlated with physical aggression, anger, hostility, and overall aggression scores, while physical abuse and neglect scores were positively correlated with physical aggression, hostility, and overall aggression scores. Minimization scores were negatively correlated with overall aggression scores and all sub-scores. The risk of developing aggression and involvement in criminal behavior can be reduced through the prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate intervention, and management of childhood traumas from the perspectives of forensic, health services, and social support. Keywords: Crime types, Criminal responsibility, Aggression, Childhood Trauma