Sexual assault on women and girls in the District of Columbia.

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive report of forcible rape in the District of Columbia from September 15 1965 through June 30 1968. 1/2 of the 3000 complainants of alleged sexual assault were brought to medical attention almost all female. About 85% were nonwhite much higher than their representation in the population; ages ranged from 1-88 with the highest number at age 14; incidents varied from forcible and attempted rape through statutory rape to child molestation. Preexisting conditions at examination included pregnancy gonorrhea and syphilis. 4 females who had probably been raped died as a result of physical abuse prior to examination. Of the 18 patients hospitalized with severe injuries 6 were children with vaginal or perineal laceration; 50 patients required emergency room surgery or other treatment. Of 1000 referrals made by nurses to clinics and private physicians for reexamination 63% were completed. Of the 9 who became pregnant 7 were aborted; there were 3 new cases of syphilis 1 lymphopathia venereum and 58 of gonorrhea; 18 with a history of emotional disturbance were returned to treatment; follow-up revealed 53 women and girls with new emotional disturbances 42 of whom were brought to treatment; 7 patients were still under psychiatric supervision 18-24 months after the assault. It is suggested that initial medical examination should be done by a gynecology or pediatrics resident or staff member away from the emergency area and with attention to the emotional component. Follow-up examination should reevaluate the patient as a whole person.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)