Analysis of Cases of Sexual Assault Presenting at A Medical Center in Taipei

Abstract

Objective: Sexual assault is a form of interpersonal violence with significant consequential health problems. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of the victims, assaults, and associated physical and psychologic trauma of sexual assault cases in Taipei. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from the medical records of sexual assault victims who visited the emergency department of a medical center in Taipei from 1991 to 2003. The characteristics of the victims, assaults, and factors associated with general body and genital trauma were analyzed. Results: There were 114 sexual assault victims, including 107 females and seven males, aged from 3 to 49 years (mean, 17.9 years). Overall, 72.3% of victims had evidence of physical trauma. Genital/anal injuries (53.3%) occurred more often than general body trauma (41.0%). The presence of general body injuries was positively associated with physical examination within 72 hours, and negatively associated with a victim age younger than 18 years. Genital/anal lesions were significantly more common in victims without prior sexual intercourse. Conclusion: The results of physical examination in sexual assault victims were related to early examination, age, and sexual experience.

Keywords

• forensic medicine
• genital/anal injury
• sexual assault
• trauma