Sexual Assault: a Social Dilemma Prevalence and pattern of Cases Presented at a Teaching Hospital, Lahore

Sadaf Sajid, Rifat Sukhera, Muhammad Kashif Butt, Shaukat Ali, Arif Rashid Malik
2018 International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research [IJCMR]  
Globally, sexual assault is a heinous crime and a serious social and health problem, mostly affecting women. The situation regarding this social ailment is also alarming in Pakistan. The aim of the study was to ascertain the prevalence and pattern of sexual assault in our society. Material and Methods: All the cases of sexual assaults which reported at the medico-legal clinic at King Edward Medical University during a period extending from January 2012 to December 2013 were included in the
more » ... . This was a retrospective study. Details regarding demographic profile of victim and accused, incident, findings of medical examination and result of the evidence collected were noted. Results: The most affected age group was 12-20 years (32%). Majority of the victims were female (68%).Majority of the victims knew assailant (75%). The commonest place of the offence was assailant's home (38%). In 32% cases, the number of assailant exceeded more than one. 36% cases were of sodomy and oral sex (un-natural assaults). Extra-genital injuries were seen in 32% cases. Hymen was intact in 7% victims, where as 47% victims had old torn hymen. The result of DNA fingerprinting was positive in 47% cases. Conclusion: The incidence of sexual assault is relatively low in the present study, but its prevalence is increasing with changing pattern. The study highlights the importance of education of young females and children to prevent this crime. Emphasis is also given on the development of special centers to provide psychological support to the victims, and assistance in prosecution.
doi:10.21276/ijcmr.2018.5.11.14 fatcat:ws5qbxr43bbpfee24yqm7kyspu