FEMALE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE

REPORTED CASES OF IN FAISALABAD CITY IN 2008

Abstract

Objectives: To ascertain the incidence of sexual violence in Faisalabad city and to analyze the data with respect to demographics, presentation and pattern of physical injuries and evidence collection from victims of sexual violence. Method: This cross sectional study was conducted on 93 alleged victims of sexual violence at the medico legal clinics in Allied hospital. DHQ hospital & Government General Hospital in Faisalabad city in year 2008. Results: 51.6% cases belonged to age group between 10-19 years and 63.45% were unmarried. In 59.1% cases the offender was previously known to the victim and in 31.18% cases two or more persons were involved in the act. There was more than 15 days delay of presentation to the hospital in 36.56% cases. In 13.98% cases non genital injuries and sign of struggle were present on the body of the victim while only 7.53% cases presented with genital injuries. In 80.64% cases the swabs sent to chemical examiner were positive for semen. Conclusions: The incidence of sexual violence is on the rise in Faisalabad city. Sexual violence was frequently seen in unmarried young females with late presentation due to social stigma. Sexual violence was associated with genital as well as non genital injuries. There should be clear guidelines regarding evidence collection and these should be disseminated and implemented nationally.