[Violence 1994--Oslo Legevakt].

2,545 patients were treated in Oslo Legevakt for injuries caused by violence in 1994. Additionally 37 patients were admitted directly to hospital by ambulance. Half of the cases were young men who were injured in public places or in the street. 64% were under the influence of alcohol during the episode. Patients from central, eastern parts of Oslo were overrepresented, and patients with a foreign cultural background were more frequently exposed to violence than Norwegians were. Weapons were used in 25% of the cases. 131 patients were taken to hospital, and 127 patients were retained for observation throughout the night at Oslo Legevakt. Despite the presence of many serious injuries, most of the patients suffered minor physical injuries. In half of all the cases the treatment was completed at the first consultation. Compared with other investigations on violence, we found no certain indication that the amount of patients needing treatment for injuries caused by violence in Oslo has increased dramatically during the last decades. Ordinary people's fear of aggression and violence in Oslo today is perhaps exaggerated?