Objective:
To evaluate the cases who were consulted to Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine for sexual abuse.
Design:
A retrospective study.
Setting:
Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Van.
Patients:
Sexually abused children in the 4-14 age group.
Interventions:
None
Main Outcome Measures:
Demographic characteristics and physical findings of sexually abused children.
Results:
When the records between January-2007 and July-2009 were examined, it was determined that 52 children in the 4-14 age group had been sexually abused. Of these, 42 (80.77) were girls and 10 (19.23%) were boys. Of girls, hymen defloration was detected in twelve (28.57 %), anal abuse in 7 (16.67 %), and both in 4 (9.52%). Of boys, anal abuse was detected in 6 (60%) while signs of physical violence were observed in 7 (70%). It was understood that, while four (9.52%) girls and 2 (20%) boys were abused by more than one person at the same time; 3 of girls (7.14%) and 1of boys (10%) were repeatedly abused by the same individual or individuals.
Conclusions:
Since child sexual abuse in our region is often hidden due to ethnic and cultural values, we think that sexually abused children are actually much more than we have detected.
Keywords: Child abuse, sexual abuse, physical violence\r\n