Sexual Assault: A Crime of Power & Control. Medicolegal Study at Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Sexual Violence is one of the most common crimes across the globe changing the religious as well as cultural values. The incidence of sexual assault is increasing in the community and gained considerable importance being the important public health problem all over the world. Objectives: To study the socio-demographic profile & medico-legal consequences in the victims of alleged sexual assault brought for medicolegal certification at District Headquarter (Teaching) Hospital Sahiwal, Pakistan. Setting & Duration: Retrospective study was conducted in medicolegal clinic of DHQ Teaching Hospital, Sahiwal during the period from 1st January, 2016 to 31st December, 2016. Material & Methods: 125 cases of alleged sexual assault reported in medicolegal clinic of DHQ Hospital Sahiwal, during the calendar year 2016. The socio-demographic characteristics were studied in detail i.e. age, marital status, residential background. Associated physical injuries as well as perineal injuries observed on the body of victims were also considered. Results of the biological specimens / evidentiary material sent to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) were recorded on a Performa. Results: The incidence of sexual assault was higher 79(63.20%) in rural inhabitants as compared to 46(36.80%) in urban citizens. The most vulnerable age group was 11-20 years involving 57(45.60%) cases followed by those belonging to 3rd decade of life involving 37(29.60%) victims. Of the total 125 cases of alleged sexual assault, 74(59.20%) were married and 51(40.80%) unmarried. As regard injuries to the perineal areas; hymen was observed to have fresh injuries to the vulva & vagina in 7(5.60%) cases whereas old / healed tears of perineal area were found in remaining 118(94.40%) victims and there was no Virgo intact among all the cases of alleged sexual assault. Conclusion: The victims with age group of 11–20 years were the most commonly affected by sexual violence in Sahiwal & majority of them belonged to the rural areas. Rape and sexual assault are under-reported crimes in order to avoid the social stigma. A combined effort by law enforcing agencies, civil society & electronic / print media should be initiated to eliminate the ferocity of sexual crimes from community.