Psychoactive substances and violent offences: A retrospective analysis of presentations to an urban emergency department in Switzerland

Abstract Background: Psychoactive substances are often regarded as causal factors contributing to violent injuries, sexual abuse and homicides. While these effects have been demonstrated for some substances (e.g. cocaine), current available data for others are more controversial (e.g. cannabis) or very limited (e.g. ecstasy). Aims of the study: To collect data on the type and frequency of psychoactive substance use in cases of emergency department (ED) presentations related to interpersonal violence. Methods: Retrospective study at the University Hospital of Bern,