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Fear of the perpetrator: a major reason why sexual assault victims delayed presenting at hospital
Author(s) -
Adefolalu Adegoke O.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1111/tmi.12249
Subject(s) - sexual assault , poison control , medicine , suicide prevention , medical emergency , injury prevention , occupational safety and health , human factors and ergonomics , gynecology , psychiatry , psychology , pathology
Abstract Objective To identify the reasons for presentation of sexual assault more than 72 h after the incidents at N ewcastle H ospital, S outh A frica. Methods A retrospective analysis of 534 medical records of victims seen between 2005 and 2009 at the hospital's sexual assault service centre. Results Overall, 219 (41%) of the victims presented at the hospital more than 72 h after the alleged sexual assault, mainly for fear of the perpetrator (37.4%). Females constituted 87%, and rape with vaginal penetration was the most common form of sexual assault reported (74%). Tests of significance showed a positive association between fear of the perpetrator and delayed presentation at hospital. Age under 9 years and being scared of what relatives would say about alleged sexual assault were also associated with delayed presentation. Conclusions Attention needs to be focused on educating society on the importance of reporting sexual assault incidents promptly in order for victims to benefit from appropriate medical treatment.