Risk factors associated with sexual assault in Calabar south eastern Nigeria.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexual assault inflicts significant physical and psychological trauma in the victims. Interventions to prevent this violent crime against women are a major public health concern. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors for sexual assault as seen in victims presenting in our hospital. METHOD: Twenty-two case records of sexual assault victims treated at the University of Calabar Teaching hospital were reviewed for this study. RESULTS: The incidence of reported sexual assault in this study was 2.1% with a rising trend observed. Age range was from 4 to 23 years. Six (27.3%) victims were primary school pupils. Twelve (54.5%) victims had not attained menarche, and 20 (90.9%) cases were single. Recorded place of assault was commonly along a bush track (36.4%) and a nearby cemetery (22.7%). Time of assault was mainly in the evening (50.0%). Identity of the assailant was known in 7 (31.8%) cases. Commonest weapon used by the assailant was a knife (36.4%). CONCLUSION: Concerted effort is required to curb the rising trend of reported sexual assault. Interventions aimed at creating public awareness of the possible risk factors may reduce the incidence of this detestable event in the community.