A descriptive analysis of alleged sexual assault of female survivors in Chandigarh region

Sexual violence is one of the most heinous crimes against women. The present prospective study was done with the aim to analyse the pattern of alleged sexual assault cases that were reported to the hospital during 1st Jan 2016-31st April 2017.

Of the total cases of sexual assault, only the cases involving female survivors were included in this study. We found that a total of 76 cases reported to emergency of Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh (GMCH), with history of sexual assault. Of these, 60 survivors gave informed consent for their medico-legal examination. The most commonly affected were of 16–20 years age group and 47.4% of the victims were students. Majority of them were unmarried (78.9%). Most of the victims belonged to low socio economical status. In 78.9% cases, the assailant was known to the victims. Only a few cases (28.6%) were reported within 24 hours of the incident for medical examination. Simple injuries in the form of abrasions were found on the body of the survivors, including genital injuries (43.8%).

We concluded that the vulnerable age group should be taken care of and if such case happens, both the government and non-government agencies should work together to create an atmosphere where such survivors are provided support to cope up with the agony of the incident. This will help in giving moral boost to the survivors to come forward and report, as well as pursue such cases without any prejudice so that culprits of such heinous crimes are punished.