Sexual Assault: Types and Associated Factors

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sexual assault is a rising medico-legal issue and also an important social problem. Medico-legally sexual violence can be Penetrative sexual assault, Non penetrative Sexual assault and Sexual harassment. Thorough knowledge about manner and traits of sexual assault is vital for forensic examination. Keeping this in view, the study was taken up with the aim of analysing the circumstances and factors associated with sexual assault. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present prospective cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College Bangalore from January 2018 and December 2020. All victims of alleged sexual assault brought for medical examination to the Department of Forensic Medicine were interviewed through a detailed questionnaire after taking consent. Results: 82 victims of alleged sexual assault were examined. 80 of them were females and 2 were boys who were less than 12 years. Children and adolescents in the age group of 12-18 years constituted 65.85% of the cases. Penetrative sexual assault (peno-vaginal type) was reported by 62 of the victims (75%). Anal intercourse was alleged in 2.5 % (n=2) of the victims. CONCLUSION: Peno-vaginal type of sexual assault in the minors less than 18 years is the most common type of sexual assault reported. Health care professionals and others involved in providing care and support in all forms should be thoroughly trained and informed about the current laws. Preventive campaigns and sex education programmes in schools and colleges should be taken up the concerned authorities to create awareness amongst the teenagers.