Analysis of Children Cases were Claimed Exposed to Sexual Violence

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the cases between 0-18 ages that are exposed to sexual violence. Material and Method: Records of criminal cases sent to the Forensic Medical Branch in Hatay were examined retrospectively. And suspicious sexual assault cases of 73 children under 18 were enrolled in the study. Results:  The cases were in the range of 4 to 18 years and the mean age was 15.04 ± 3.06. 12 cases (16.4%) were male and 61 (83.6) were female. Examination revealed that 23 (31.5%) of cases were vaginal, 11 (15%) buggery or sodomy and 13 (17.8%) both vaginal and buggery or sodomy. While 34 cases (46.6%) reported five or more sexual assault, 22 (30.1%) had a history of consent. 56 (76.7%) of attackers were not known by the victim. Discussion: Characteristics of the patients were consistent with other studies, but the low rate of defendants’ recognition by the victims was remarkable. Mental health of 17 victims (23.3%) was impaired, and 4 of them were male. On the other hand, we believe that this issue is very important to regain those people into society by improving mental health status