Mariam Arif, Mushtaq Ahmed, Alid Chaudhary M Khalid.
Medicolegal Analysis of Child and Adolescent Victims of Sexual Assault in Lahore- a Retrospective Study.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;8(2):446-52.

Introduction: Sex crimes are complex and multidimensional. Children and adolescent oriented sexual assaults are increasing, and both females and males become victims of this heinous crime in high percentages in any period of their lives. Aim: To evaluate sexual assault against children and adolescents in Lahore, to assess the prevalence of sexual assault and to determine its demographic and medicolegal aspects among its victims. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in Forensic Medicine Department of King Edward Medical University, Lahore from January 2012 to December 2013. 19 cases were brought for medicolegal examination during the two year period. Details pertaining to age, sex, socioeconomic status, residential area, type of offence, place of incident, time lapse between incident and medical examination, number of assailants, relationship with assailants, method used by assailant to overcome resistance, findings of physical and genital examination and results of evidence collected were noted. Result: There were 19 cases in the age range of 4–18 years (79% girls and 21% boys). The highest incidence was found in age group 12-15 years (57.89 %) followed by 16-18 years (21.05 %). The most frequently reported sexual assault was rape (73.68%), while there were 4 cases of male sodomy (21.05%) and 1 case of mixed(anal and vaginal) assault (5.26%). All cases belonged to lower socioeconomic class and were from urban area. In 42.1% of the cases, the assailants were known to the victim. 26% reported sexual assault by more than one assailant. The most common site of offence was the house of the accused (57.89%). Sexual assault was made under verbal threat in 21.05% of the cases, while it was made by the use of physical force in 15.78% of cases. Physical injuries on the body of victim were seen in 10.52% of cases. Hymen was intact in 2 cases (13.33%). The tears of hymen were fresh in 3 girls (20%). Tears of anal mucous membrane were seen in 3 victims of sodomy. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary approach encompassing emotional, medical and forensic care is mandatory for the victims of sexual assault.

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