Evaluation of Sexually Abused Cases in Childhood in Eastern Turkey

Abstract

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 cases (9.52%). Of boys, anal abuse was detected in 6 (60%) while signs of physical violence were observed in 7 cases (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.