Human bites as a weapon of violence: how common are they and do they constitute a significant medical evidence?

Objective: To document the pattern of HBM seen in police clinic Benin City Nigeria.Methods: This is a review of all the human bite mark (HBM) seen at the police clinic.Results: HBM were seen in 68 cases of assault and included 90 separate bites. The youngest victim was 10 years old while the oldest was 59 years with a mean age of 31.9±9.68. Age group 30-39 years accounted for most cases. Female victims were more in number both as victims and as assailants. About 94.1% of theassailants were known. The major events that lead to the use of human bite (HB) were quarrel and fights which accounted for 98.5% of cases. HB was mainly used in conjunction with other weapons. About 77.9%of the HB had single bite marks while complete tissue avulsion were seen in 1.5% of cases. The arm was the commonest site (17.8%), closely followed by the fingers (15.6%).Conclusion: This will serve as a baseline data in Nigeria, while we strongly advocate the development of a proforma for HBM examination following ABFO guideline and HIV PEP for victims with grade 4 HBM andabove

The Pattern of sexual assault in people presenting to a gynaecological unit of a tertiary hospital in South-West Nigeria

Context: Sexual assault is a crime of violence that incorporates unwanted sexual behaviour, such as sexual coercion, uninvited kissing, fondling, touching and ultimately, rape. Individuals prone to sexual abuse are usually the young, poor, and vulnerable members of society, who are often subject to other forms of social vices, such as domestic violence. Aims: To ascertain the pattern of sexual assault in people presenting to a large gynaecological unit of a tertiary referral centre, in Nigeria. Settings and Design: Methods and Material: The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was undertaken over a 2-year period from January 2011 to December 2012. Statistical analysis used: SPSS. Results: The prevalence of sexual assault in this study was 1.64%. The majority (90.3%) of victims were single. At least a third (n=35) had secondary education. 62.65% of the patients delayed presentation until after 24hours, (n=52). The commonest reason for delay in presentation was of fear or embarrassment in 51.80% (n=43). The commonest place of assault was at the assailant's home in 33.7% (n=28). Many cases of assault occurred at night. 63.65% of the victims wanted suspects to be prosecuted (n=53). 67.46% of the victims expressed the desire to take legal action (n=56). Only 51.80% of the respondents (n=43) were aware of a route of seeking re-dress. Conclusions: Victims of sexual assault delay their presentation to health facilities because of fear and embarrassment. A significant percentage of the victims do not know how to obtain medical help

Assessing the Effects of Anti-Homosexuality Legislation in Uganda on HIV Prevention; Treatment; and Care Services

Uganda's response to the HIV epidemic has been lauded for its robustness and achievements. However; a key component of HIV prevention programming has been missing; for men who have sex with men (MSM). The main reason cited has been criminalization of male homosexual behavior. In 2009; the Anti-Homosexuality Bill (AHB) was introduced in the parliament to enhance existing anti-homosexuality law. A multi-disciplinary team made a Health Impact Assessment of the proposed AHB. The bill as tabled would severely increase punishments; increased closeting. Social capital of MSM would be eroded by clauses mandating reporting by friends; relatives; and acquaintances. Health-care professionals would have to inform on homosexuals. Mandatory HIV testing would be a blow to programming. Probable disclosure of HIV status in a public space (court) would also be a deterrent. Heftier punishments for those testing positive increases stigma and hobbles subsequent care. The AHB argues for exclusion; and more discrimination targeting persons living with HIV and sexual minorities. It will exacerbate the negative public health consequences of the existing legislation. The government of Uganda should review guidance documents published by authoritative bodies including the World Bank; World Health Organization to develop and bring to scale Human rightsaffirming HIV prevention; treatment; and care responses