1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India-110095
*Address for Correspondence: 1Dr Namita Grover, Lecturer, 27, Shakti Vihar, Near Rani Bagh, Delhi, India-110034 Phone: +91-9891959574 E-mail: manpreetdawar@hotmail.com
Background & Objectives Sexual assault remains one of the most intractable violations of women's human rights resulting in undermining the integrity of the victim, physically as well as mentally. The aftermath of this act takes a great toll on the victim. The present study aims at analyzing socio-demographic profile of the victim and culprit, prevailing circumstances at the time of assault and interventions required.
Methods The study was conducted at University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, a tertiary hospital of east Delhi, India over 4 year period from April 2001 to April 2005. A total of 50 case records of natural sexual assault were retrieved retrospectively from the Medical Record Section of our hospital and the data was analyzed.
Results Majority (92%) of victims were unmarried girls between 10–19 years (62%).Victim gathered courage and reported the crime in only 10% cases. 60% of perpetrators were acquaintances, 6% of them were relatives. Rape under threat of great bodily harm or death was noted in 2 (4%) cases. Thirty women (60%) reported after 24 hours of being raped.14% victims gave history of prior sexual assault. Two (4%) complainants reported of being intoxicated through food prior to assault. Intervention was required following examination under anaesthesia (EUA) in 19 cases. Genital injury occurred in 28 cases of which 14 required surgical intervention. Extragenital injuries were noted in 5 cases (1 ocular injury; 2 limb fractures, 2 intra abdominal injuries). The spectrum of genital injuries varied from hymenal transactions (n=14) to complete perineal tear. Two victims had acute stress reaction for which psychiatric help was sought. There was a single mortality.
Conclusions Sexual assault is a deplorable act and stringent measures are needed to fight this social menace. Post assault care is imperative to remove the feeling of guilt and shame in victim. A detailed and meticulous history taking and examination along with speedy court trials will go a long way in improving the conviction rate.
