Like other developing countries, in India also Sexual assault is a neglected public health issue. According to crime clock there is one rape case every 29 minutes and one molestation every 15 minutes1.
A total of 1,64,765 incidents of crime against women were reported in country during 2006 which was a 0.6% increase than the previous year. Tripura has accounted for maximum 28.1% of total incidents although it shares only 0.31% of country's population. On second place is Delhi which has 1.44% share of country's population and has accounted for 28% of total crime1.
Therefore this alarming situation needs prompt actions to be taken to prevent it along with an effective quality clinical management for the traumatized victims.
The essential components of medical care after the assault are2 Documentation of injuries Collection of Forensic evidence Treatment of injuries Evaluation for STIs (HIV) and preventive care Evaluation for risk of pregnancy and prevention Psychological support, counseling and follow up.
All the concerned persons like physicians, Forensic experts, social worker, police etc. should coordinate with each other so that the patient is not disturbed and made to feel vulnerable and ashamed again and again.
