RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE CASES APPLIED TO DİCLE UNIVERSITY FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Sexual abuse is a global public health problem that causes many medical, legal, social and economic problems in the short and long term. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics and variables of our sexual abuse cases with the literature data. We retrospectively analyzed 175 cases who applied to our department for sexual abuse between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018. It was determined that 143 of 175 cases were found under the age of 18. 91,4% of the cases in our study were female and 8,6% were male. It has been observed that victims are frequently abused by people they know. It was found that 17 of the cases were abused by their family members. It was observed that most of those who denied the incident were victims of incest. When the education status of the victims during the incident is examined; 60 (34.3%) cases were found to be at primary school level, 19 (10.9%) cases were found to be at secondary school level, 11 (6.3%) cases were found to be at high school level; It was determined that 78 of all cases (44.6%) still continue their education and 22 cases (12.6%) quit their education. Lesions were detected in the sexual examination of 45(25,7%) of 175 cases; 39 (22,3%) of these cases had acute lesions and 6 (3,4%) of these cases had chronic lesions. Pregnancy occurred in 4 of the victims. Suicide attempts of 8 (4,6%) cases were determined. As a result, sexual abuse is a problem that requires a multi-faceted approach. Common centers should be established to raise the awareness of the society, to prevent sexual abuse, and to support the victims psychologically and socially. Procedural challenges should be reduced, media support should be obtained, and primary protection activities should be organized.