Factors affecting female external genital findings in child sexual assault victims

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ABSTRACT

The presence of external genital findings in child sexual assault victims is frequently not in accordance with the history of the incident acknowledged by the victims, due to many factors that can affect those findings. This study aimed to identify various factors affecting the findings of external genitalia injuries in child sexual assault victims. Clinical data were collected from medical records and then analysed statistically. Hymenal and/or non-hymenal injuries were observed in 64.2% of all subjects. Hymenal tears in all regions were significant for penile penetration. Factors affecting hymenal injuries were age group, nature of sexual violence, and number of penetrations. Factors affecting non-hymenal injuries were the nature of sexual violence and the time of examination.

KEYWORDS:

• Child sexual assault
• female
• genital findings
• penetration

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).