Profile of sexual offences: A 4 year retrospective study at tertiary care hospital of Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual violence affects millions of women worldwide cutting across cultural and religious barriers. Although under reported, it is a frequent and significant public health issue in countries of both the developed and developing world. Aims: This retrospective study was carried out to know the different aspects of sexual assault. Materials and Method: This study was carried out in department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Dr Vaishampayan Memoral Government Medical College Solapur, Maharashtra from January 2013 to December 2016. This study is based on the medico-legal examination record of sexual assault victim. Results: An increase in number of cases of sexual assault per year is observed. Age wise distribution showed that 59.60% cases were in age group 11-20 years consisting of major affected group. The 77.83% victims were unmarried. The victims from rural area were 41.16% and from urban area were 58.84%. About 62.26% victims were student. In this study most of the assailants were known to the victim, only16.62 % were strangers to victim. Most of the incidences (38.52%) took place in assailant’s house. In 19.79% cases there was evidence of external injury. Conclusion Comprehensive reporting on all forms of sexual violence is necessary. Social awareness, sensitization and protection programs should be a high priority. Keywords: Rape, Victim, Sexual offences, Solapur