Assault

Battery

Nature

The terms "assault and battery" are often used together, although traditionally they represent different and distinct crimes. Battery is the unlawful application of force to the person of another. Criminal assault may be either an attempt to commit battery or intentionally placing another under fear of battery. Simple assault is considered a misdemeanour, but aggravated assault (with intent to kill, rob, rape), possibly with a deadly weapon, may be considered a felony. Weapons may include firearms, corrosive materials, poisons, and cutting, piercing or strangulation instruments, and body parts, such as teeth. Pushing someone from a high place is also an assault.

Background

Assault has been recognized as a significant social problem since early legal codes, such as the Code of Hammurabi, first addressed personal violence. Its global prevalence became increasingly apparent with the rise of urbanization and improved crime reporting in the 19th and 20th centuries. International organizations and public health agencies now monitor assault trends, highlighting its complex links to societal change, inequality, and conflict, and prompting ongoing research into prevention and intervention strategies worldwide.

Incidence

Neglecting national variations in the basis of statistical estimates, figures from Interpol indicate that in 1990 there were approximately 1,815,000 cases of serious assault reported from 91 countries worldwide, namely 60.0 per 100,000 population; some 1,614,000 (namely 64%) were claimed to have been resolved.

Claim

Assault is a deeply serious and pervasive problem that cannot be ignored. It shatters lives, destroys trust, and undermines the very fabric of our communities. The trauma inflicted by assault lingers long after the act itself, affecting victims, families, and society as a whole. We must confront this issue with urgency, demand accountability, and prioritize prevention. Ignoring assault is not an option—our collective safety and humanity depend on decisive action.