Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Child Sexual Abuse Reported to an Urban Public Hospital in Southern India, 2019-22

Objective: To describe the profile of child sexual abuse (CSA) reported to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis of CSA reported in children aged below 18 years from January, 2019 to June, 2022. Results: Out of the 231 cases of sexual abuse reported, 115 (49.8%) were children below 18 years. Most of the victims were children from 10 to 15 years (37.4%), and there were only two male victims. In 89.6%, the perpetrator was known to the victim. Revictimization was seen in 31%. The reported perpetrators were friends (27%), neighbors (34.8%), strangers (10.4%), or fathers (7.8%). Penetrative abuse was seen in 58.3% of reports. External injuries were seen in 6.96%. Eight victims were pregnant and HIV screening was positive in one victim. Conclusion: Early identification of CSA is important to prevent revictimization. Children from all age groups can be victims of CSA. Perpetrators can hail from all walks of life of the children.

Analysis of Forty-Two Psychoactive Substances in a Single Hair by Micro-Segmental Technique / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To establish an LC-MS/MS method based on single hair micro-segmental technique, and verify the detection of 42 psychoactive substances in 0.4 mm hair segments.@*METHODS@#Each piece of single hair was cut into 0.4 mm segments and extracted by sonication and the segments were immersed in dithiothreitol-containing extraction medium. Mobile phase A was the aqueous solution containing 20 mmol/L ammonium acetate, 0.1% formic acid, and 5% acetonitrile. Mobile phase B was acetonitrile. An electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode was used for data acquisition in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.@*RESULTS@#The 42 psychoactive substances in hair had a good linear relationship within their respective linear ranges (r>0.99), the limits of detection were 0.2-10 pg/mm, the limits of quantification were 0.5-20 pg/mm, the intra-day and inter-day precisions were 1.5%-12.7%, the intra-day and inter-day accuracies were 86.5%-109.2%, the recovery rates were 68.1%-98.2%, and the matrix effects were 71.3%-111.7%. The method was applied to hair samples collected from one volunteer at 28 d after a single dose of zolpidem, with zolpidem detected in 5 hairs was 1.08-1.60 cm near the root tip, and the concentration range was 0.62-20.5 pg/mm.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The micro-segmental technique of single hair analysis can be applied to the investigation of drug-facilitated sexual assault cases.

¿En qué se diferencian las agresiones sexuales cometidas en solitario y en grupo? Una revisión sistemática / How are solo versus multiple perpetrator sexual assaults different? A systematic review

Resumen El estudio de las agresiones sexuales ha tenido una gran relevancia e interés en la literatura. Las agresiones sexuales en grupo representan una pequeña proporción de todas las agresiones sexuales cometidas, pero presentan unas características específicas. La presente revisión sistemática examinó las variables de los delitos de agresión sexual cometidos en solitario versus en grupo. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Psycinfo, Academic Search (EBSCO) y Google Scholar, y se encontraron ocho documentos que cumplían las condiciones de inclusión. Los resultados muestran que existe evidencia de las diferencias cualitativas entre las agresiones sexuales cometidas según el número de infractores. Las dinámicas que se promueven en los grupos explican la participación de los sujetos en las agresiones sexuales en grupo. El comportamiento colectivo favorece las agresiones sexuales en grupo por los procesos inherentes a él. Los delincuentes son, en su mayoría, hombres. Los delincuentes solitarios tienen una mayor edad y, a medida que los grupos son más grandes, la edad de los agresores disminuye. En cuanto a las víctimas, son más jóvenes que los agresores, sobre todo en los casos perpetrados por múltiples sujetos, y ofrecen una mayor resistencia ante las agresiones en solitario. Se ha confirmado que en las agresiones en grupo se llevan a cabo más actos sexuales y se utiliza más la violencia. Por otro lado, no aparecen diferencias en cuanto al uso de alcohol y la presencia de armas en las agresiones. Estos resultados tienen implicaciones para la prevención del delito y el tratamiento de las víctimas.

Abstract The study of sexual assault has had great relevance and interest in the literature. Group sexual assaults represent a small proportion of all sexual assaults committed, but they have specific characteristics. Internationally, it is established that between 10 and 33 % of sexual assaults have been committed by multiple authors. Describing the differences between individual versus group sexual assaults has been a challenge for researchers. The literature has concluded that there is a difference in the etiology of sexual assaults committed according to the number of authors. While in solo sexual assaults personal vulnerability factors may explain why these crimes are committed, in group assaults group behavior dynamics explain the interaction between more subjects. This systematic review examined the variables of sexual assault crimes committed alone versus in a group. A literature search was conducted on the Psycinfo, Academic Search (EBSCO) and Google Scholar databases. In the first analysis a total of 34 studies were initially identified, and after filtering the reasons for exclusion the analysis was performed with eight investigations. The results show that there is evidence of qualitative differences between sexual assaults committed according to the number of offenders. The dynamics promoted in the groups explain the subjects' participation in group sexual aggressions. Collective behavior favors sexual aggressions in groups because of the processes inherent to the group. The most common group was two subjects (dyad) although the average group was usually composed of three subjects. The offenders are mostly men; the lone offenders are older, and as the groups become larger, the age of the offenders decreases. Research has shown that the majority of victims are female, both in single and group assaults. Victims are also younger than the perpetrators, especially in multi-subject attacks, and they are more resistant to single-aggression attacks. The place where the crime is committed presents significant differences. Some authors found that offenders in groups of three or more people often commit the assault in an indoor space, although others found that lone offenders were more likely than group offenders to rape the victim indoors, especially in the bedroom. It has been confirmed that in group aggressions more sexual acts are carried out and more violence is used. Vaginal penetration is the most committed sexual assault, followed by anal and oral rape. In all cases, vaginal rape is more prevalent among group sexual assaults, even more so when the assaults are committed by groups of three or more subjects. Studies of multiple perpetrator sexual assaults show that this type of act increases the probability of suffering more injuries and long-term health problems. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that there are significant differences in the timing of stranger assault, with a higher likelihood of a stranger assault in group rapes. On the other hand, there is also a relevance in the presence of other instrumental factors such as alcohol and weapons. As for alcohol, it showed a significant relationship in sexual assaults. Although the presence of weapons in sexual assaults is not very common, some research has confirmed that groups tend to threaten victims with a weapon to a greater extent, and the knife is often the most common weapon. The results found are particularly relevant to understanding sexual assault crimes and have implications for crime prevention and the treatment of victims.

Sexual Violence Suffered by Women in Early and Late Adolescence: Care Provided and Follow-Up / Violência sexual sofrida por mulheres na adolescência precoce e tardia: Cuidado dispensado e seguimento

Abstract Objective To compare the sexual violence suffered by women in early and late adolescence, the reactions triggered after the aggression, and the care provided. Methods A retrospective study in which we reviewed the medical records of 521 female adolescents treated by a multidisciplinary team at a reference hospital in the city of Campinas, state of São Paulo, Brazil. We analyzed sociodemographic variables, and those pertainin to the characteristics of the episodes of violence, the emergency care, and the physical and psychological reactions observed during the follow-up. For the analysis, the sample was divided into groups of early (10 to 14 years) and late (15 to 18 years) adolescence. We used the Chi-squared/Fisher Exact, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare the groups; the level of significance adopted was 5%. Results The early group (n= 242) contained more adolescents who were enrolled in school (p< 0.001), suffered more daytime aggressions (p= 0.031), in their residences (p< 0.001), by an aggressor with whom they were acquainted (p< 0.001), had greater need of legal protection (p= 0.001), and took longer to seek care (p= 0.048). Feelings of guilt, shame, and the perception of violence were similar between the groups. In the late group (n= 279), there was greater consumption of alcohol during the aggression (p= 0,005); they received significantly more prophylaxis treatments; reported more physical symptoms (p= 0.033), sleep disorders (p= 0.003), symptoms of anxiety (p= 0.045), and feelings of anguish (p= 0.011); and had more prescriptions of psychotropics (p= 0.005). Only 52% completed the 6-month follow-up, with no differences between the groups. Conclusion The age groups showed differences in the characteristics of the episodes of violence; early adolescents took longer to seek help, and the late group presented more intense symptoms and psychological worsening during the follow-up. Measures of prevention and specific care aimed at this population are needed.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a violência sexual sofrida por vítimas no início e no final da adolescência, as reações desencadeadas após a agressão, e o cuidado de saúde dispensado. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, em que foram revisados os prontuários de 521 mulheres adolescentes atendidas por equipe multiprofissional em hospital de referência em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. As variáveis foram sociodemográficas, e aquelas relativas às características da violência, ao atendimento de emergência, e às reações físicas e psicológicas observadas durante o seguimento nos grupos de adolescentes de idade precoce (10a 14 anos) e tardia (15 a 18 anos). Utilizamos os testes do Qui-quadrado/Exato de Fisher, Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis para comparar os grupos; adotamos o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados O grupo precoce (n= 242) continha maior número de estudantes (p< 0,001), que sofreram mais agressões diurnas (p= 0,031), em suas residências (p< 0,001), por agressor conhecido (p< 0,001), tiveram maior necessidade de proteção legal (p= 0,001), e demoraram mais a procurar atendimento (p= 0,048). Sentimentos de culpa, vergonha e a percepção da violência foram similares entre os grupos. No grupo tardio (n= 279) houve maior consumo de álcool durante a agressão (p= 0,005); as adolescentes receberam significativamente mais tratamentos de profilaxia; relataram mais sintomas físicos (p= 0,033), distúrbios do sono (p= 0,003), sintomas de ansiedade (p= 0,045), e sentimentos de angústia (p= 0,011); e receberam mais prescrições de psicotrópicos (p= 0,005). Apenas 52% completaram o seguimento de 6 meses, sem diferenças entre os grupos. Conclusão Os grupos apresentaram diferenças nas características da violência; as adolescentes precoces chegaram mais tardiamente ao serviço, e o grupo tardio apresentou maior sintomatologia e piora psicológica no seguimento. São necessárias medidas de prevenção e cuidados específicos voltados a essa população.

Editorial: Agresión sexual en menores de 18 años / Editorial: Sexual assault in children under 18 years of age

El Estado panameño ratificó en el año 1990 la Convención sobre los Derechos del Niño y con ello asumió el compromiso de crear mecanismos para la protección de la niñez y la adolescencia, pero las actuales estadísticas señalan que los derechos de protección del menor siguen siendo vulnerados y van en aumento especialmente en las regiones comarcales indígenas en el país. Como vemos en el informe anual del Ministerio Público de Panamá para el año 2021 se registraron un total de 2,257 casos de "acceso sexual con una persona mayor de catorce (14) años y menor de dieciocho (18)" (artículo 176 del código penal) que representó un aumento del 18 % comparado a los 1,913 casos en 2020.

The Panamanian State ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 and thereby assumed the commitment to create mechanisms for the protection of children and adolescents, but current statistics indicate that the protection rights of minors continue to be violated and they are on the increase, especially in the indigenous regional regions of the country. As we see in the annual report of the Public Ministry of Panama for the year 2021, a total of 2,257 cases of "sexual access with a person over fourteen (14) years of age and under eighteen (18)" were registered (article 176 of the penal code ) which represented an increase of 18% compared to the 1,913 cases in 2020.

Application Value and Research Progress of Human Microbiome in Sexual Assault Cases / 法医学杂志

In recent years, sexual assault cases have been on the rise, seriously infringing the legitimate rights and interests of women and children, causing widespread concern in society. DNA evidence has become the key evidence to prove the facts in sexual assault cases, but lack of DNA evidence or only DNA evidence in some sexual assault cases leads to unclear facts and insufficient evidence. With the emergence of high-throughput sequencing technology and the development of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, new progress has been made in the study of human microbiome. Researchers have begun to use human microbiome for difficult sexual assault cases indentification. This paper reviews the characteristics of human microbiome, and its application value in the inferences of the body fluid stain origin, the sexual assault method, the crime time, etc. In addition, the challenges faced by the application of the human microbiome in practical case handling, the solutions and future development potential are analyzed and prospected.

The development of a local sexual assault investigation kit: The Philippine experience

Objectives@#This paper presents the development of a local sexual assault investigation kit (SAK) that doctors in the Philippines could use to collect biological samples from victims of sexual abuse, including child patients, that would be used for DNA testing. The study also reports on a management system via courier service to protect the integrity of the samples that could be eventually used as evidence in court from the collection site to the laboratory with sufficient backup measures. @*Methods@#Women and Child Protection Units (WCPU) from Manila, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao partnered with the DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute of UP Diliman (NSRI-UPD) DNA Analysis Laboratory in testing the utility of a prototype SAK for the collection of biological samples from child patients. From January 2002 to March 2006, samples were collected from patients who went to WCPU within 72 hours post-contact and consented to participate in the study. WCPU doctors collected biological samples guided by the patient’s narratives and packaged the samples while following detailed documentation and chain of custody procedures. SAKs were then sent via a designated courier service from WCPU to the NSRI-UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory for DNA testing. The WCPU kept half of the samples collected, following recommendations made during sectoral consultations that included members of the Research Group of the Philippine Judicial Academy, prosecutors, and defense counsels. Case samples were packed well by the WCPU and received at the NSRI-UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory. Due to budget limitations, only the internal genitalia and patients’ reference buccal swabs were subjected to DNA tests as reported by Maiquilla et al.1 The remaining SAK components and case records were kept in a dedicated and secure storage facility. DNA testing reports were sent to the WCPU, which released them to the child patients and their legal guardians. @*Results@#One hundred fifty-four female children aged 2-18 years old and their legal guardians agreed to participate in the study. Based on the initial interviews of the social workers who conducted the evaluation, all the participants came from families with very low socioeconomic status. The WCPU doctors then complied with prescribed procedures. To date, NSRI-UPD DNA Analysis Laboratory records show that a subpoena for expert testimony had been issued in only one case out of the 63 cases (1.6%) that were positive for male DNA. No further information was available on the final decision in this case due to the absence of any order from the judge granting the laboratory access to court records. Likewise, WCPUs did not have any information on the remaining 62 cases that could have used the DNA test results as evidence if a case had been filed in court. @*Conclusion@#This study is the first to report the development and validation of a sexual assault investigation kit in the Philippines aimed at helping medical doctors in collecting and preserving critical biological samples for DNA testing. Using a dedicated courier service to send SAK from collecting agencies to the laboratory for DNA testing was successfully tested and resulted in faster delivery and significantly reduced overall cost. While DNA testing remains the most powerful tool for human identification and the technology has been available in the Philippines since 1997, certain factors have prevented it from being used routinely in sexual assault investigations, including those involving children.

Gender-based violence during COVID-19 lockdown: case study of a community in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) has been identified to be one of the ripple effects of the global pandemic. In countries like Nigeria, the situation is hypothesized to be worse because of widespread poverty and gender inequalities. Objective: To examine the exposure of females to GBV during the first 3 months of the COVID-19 lockdown. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a low-income community in Lagos. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 130 respondents selected via systematic random sampling. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 26.89 ± 8.67 years. Majority worked informal jobs, while only 50% had attained beyond primary education. Within the period, the respondents had been subjected to sexual (54.6%), physical (52.3%), verbal assault (41.5%), and online sexual harassment (45.4%); of which only 30% reported to the police. Furthermore, respondents subjected to sexual (p=0.004) and physical assault (p=0.032) during the period earned significantly less money than other respondents. Conclusion: The fact that over 1 out of every 2 females was subjected to at least one form of GBV within the short timeframe shows how unsafe girls and women in low-income communities are. This calls for proactive community-level interventions to curb the GBV menace.

Pensamentos de risco de um adulto autor de violência sexual / Risk thoughts of an adult perpetrator of sexual violence / Pensamientos de riesgo de un adulto autor de violencia sexual

Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa sobre os pensamentos de risco (fantasias sexuais) de um adulto ofensor sexual (55 anos, cumpriu pena restritiva de liberdade) atendido em uma instituição pública de saúde. Buscou-se, por meio de pesquisa documental, conhecer o desenvolvimento das fantasias sexuais em relação ao assédio sexual. O contexto foi o de uma instituição de saúde, e o foco foi o assédio a três vítimas meninas (oito, nove e 10 anos). As informações foram coletadas em uma entrevista que teve a duração de duas horas. Realizou-se a leitura das informações sobre os pensamentos/fantasias que surgem diante de um possível assalto sexual a uma criança e/ou adolescente. A discussão versou sobre: o pensamento de risco; as reações da vítima; e o processo de justificativa para a ação violenta. O conhecimento dos pensamentos de risco devem fazer parte de qualquer intervenção com essa população de ofensores sexuais adultos e ser visto como parte do circuito protetivo de crianças e adolescentes.

This is a qualitative research (documentary analysis) on the risk thoughts (sexual fantasies) of an adult sexual offender (55 years old, who served a restrictive sentence of freedom) attended in a public health institution. We sought, through documentary research, to know the development of sexual fantasies concerning the behavior of sexual harassment. The context was in a health institution, and the focus was the harassment of three female victims (eight, nine and 10 years old). The information was collected in an interview that lasted two hours. Information about the thoughts/fantasies that came up in the face of a possible sexual assault on a child and/or adolescent was carried out. The discussion dealt with: risk thinking; the victim's reactions; and the process of justification for violent action. Knowledge of risk thoughts should be part of any intervention with this population of adult sexual offenders and be seen as part of the protective circuit of children and adolescents.

Se trata de una investigación cualitativa (análisis documental) sobre los pensamientos de riesgo (fantasías sexuales) de un adulto ofensor sexual (55 años, cumplió una pena restrictiva de libertad) atendido en una institución pública de salud. Se buscó, por medio de la investigación documental, conocer el desarrollo de las fantasías sexuales con relación a la conducta del acoso sexual. El contexto fue de una institución de salud, y el enfoque fue el acoso de las tres niñas víctimas (ocho, nueve y 10 años). La información fue recogida en una entrevista que tuvo una duración de dos horas. Se realizó la lectura de las informaciones sobre los pensamientos/fantasías que surgen ante un posible asalto sexual a un niño y/o adolescente. La discusión versó sobre: el pensamiento de riesgo; las reacciones de la víctima; y el proceso de justificación para la acción violenta. El conocimiento de los pensamientos de riesgo debe formar parte de cualquier intervención con esa población de ofensores sexuales adultos y ser visto como parte del circuito protector de niños y adolescentes.

Genital injuries: Are they telling us something about sexual violence?

Abstract Genital injury has a forensic relevance after a sexual assault and it has been discussed and investigated among professionals who work in this field. To analyze the studies published in the last decades, the present review examines different factors that may influence this finding, first clarifying terms of the forensic field, such as the peculiarity of the legal medical examination, and the distinction of the terms "legal" and "anatomical" vagina. Finally, it analyses if it is possible that the existence of these injuries in victims explain the lack of consent in sexual contact, and to clarify the meaning of the absence of injuries.

Epidemiology of eyelid trauma among Filipino patients in a Tertiary Hospital

Objective@#This study aims to identify the epidemiological characteristics and co-morbidities of eyelid injuries among Filipino patients seen at the Emergency and Out-patient Clinics of a single, tertiary, government, urbanbased hospital from June 2014 to June 2015.@*Methods@#This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive single-center study. Medical records of 85 patients who consulted at the Emergency or Out-Patient Clinics of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences of the Philippine General Hospital, Manila due to eyelid injuries that resulted to skin breaks with or without tissue loss or other ocular co-morbidities were reviewed. Information collected included: demographic data of the patient; the offending object; mechanism, place, date and time of injury; date and time of consult; possible risk factors and predisposing conditions such as alcohol intoxication and lack of use of protective gears. Complications associated with eyelid injuries were also noted. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis of patient demographics, epidemiologic characteristics of eyelid injuries and its associated complications.@*Results@#Of the 85 cases, 78% were males. Most of the patients were below 50 years of age with a range of 1-79 and a mean age of 25 years old. There is male preponderance across all age groups except in the pediatric group below 10 years of age. The right eye was involved in 58% of cases. The most common area affected was the right lower lid as seen in 36 cases. Most of the eyelid injuries were severe: 21 (25%) were margin-involving, 17 (20%) had canalicular transection and 34 (40%) had both. Other co-morbidities included some degree of tissue loss or avulsion (16%) and globe involvement (29%). Majority were accidental (36%). Public places (33%) and the home (33%) were the most common places of injury. Most of the injuries that happened at home were accidents (82%) while those that occurred in public places were mostly assault cases (71%). The most common offending objects that caused the eyelid injuries included metal (33%), pavement/cement (18%), and wood (16%). The most common mechanism of injury was blunt trauma (67%). There were 18 cases of vehicular crash, 89% of the patients were not wearing helmets. All work-related injuries reported absence of protective gear. Alcohol intoxication was reported in 30% of assault cases and 72% of vehicular crash. @*Conclusion@#Eyelid injuries continue to pose as a public health concern. Campaigns organized toward educating the public can stress on the importance of increased vigilance regarding safety especially in children and young adults. Use of protective gear and eyewear while driving or working in hazardous environments should also be emphasized. Monitoring of public places for any disturbance can prevent violent acts from escalating. The AntiDrunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 should also be strictly enforced.

The incidence, pattern and management of sexual assault in a tertiary hospital in North-western Nigeria

Background: Sexual assault is any sexual act performed by one person on another without the person’s consent or on a victim who is incapable of giving consent. It is a violation of basic human rights, a gender-based issue and a violent crime against both the individual and the society. The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence, pattern and management of sexual assault in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.Methods: This was a 10 - year retrospective study. Case records of sexual assault from 1st January, 2007 to 31st December, 2016 were retrieved and relevant data extracted and analyzed using the SPSS for windows version 20.0Results: The incidence of sexual assault was 0.8%. Majority, 88 (85.4%) occurred in children and adolescents. Peno-vaginal penetration was the most common form of assault 65 (63.1%) and the assailants were known to the victims in 74 (71.9%) of the cases. Involvement of psychiatrists/psychologists in the management of the victims was poor as psychiatrists were involved in only 13 (12.6%) of the cases. Most of the victims were lost to follow up.Conclusions: Sexual assaults occurred mostly in children and adolescents in this study. Increased public awareness and preventive interventions are required especially among the at-risk age groups to enhance their safety. Training of relevant persons in the institution to offer counselling to the victims is recommended as referral for psychiatrists’ consultation was poor. It is important to institute a good tracking system to follow up the victims as most are lost to follow up.

Sexual Assault of Nigerian Female Adolescents: A Review of the Trend and Effects

ntroduction: Adolescent sexual assault is a huge public health problem with physical, reproductive health and psycho-social consequences.Methods: A literature review was carried out on its prevalence, forms,risk factors and effects using multiple databases, namely MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar Google search. Additional information was from medical textbooks and journals.Results: The estimated prevalence of sexual aggression among adolescents varied widely in different studies in Nigeria, ranging from 6 to 74%. Broad variation may be due to different incident reporting rates at multiple locations.Conclusion: The solution to this problem involves the mobilization and active co-operation of all stakeholders in the society such as parents, guardians, teachers, non-governmental organizations, religious leaders, political leaders and government. Sex education should be given at home, school and other settings to both males and from other formal sources.Review Article

Revictimization as a high-risk factor for development of posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review of the literature

Objective: Much research has been published on the role of sexual revictimization in the emergence of mental disorders in adulthood, but findings have sometimes been contradictory. The present systematic review sought to assess the state of the evidence on revictimization as a potential factor for the emergence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in five databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Campbell Library, PsycINFO, and LILACS), using the terms PTSD, posttraumatic stress disorder, child abuse, and rape. Results: We identified nine articles that established a connection among childhood sexual abuse (CSA), sexual revictimization in adulthood, and development of PTSD. Eight of the nine papers included were classified as having strong methodological quality (grade VI). One was classified as IV, with an average quality-of-evidence rating. The mean methodological quality score of the articles was 5.5, and the quality of evidence was deemed strong. Conclusion: In the included studies, PTSD symptoms were most prevalent in the CSA + adult sexual assault groups, providing further evidence for the revictimization hypothesis.

Homicídio e lesão corporal em Itaboraí, Brasil: análise em diferentes escalas / Murder and actual bodily harm in Itaborai, Brazil: analysis at different scales

Resumo Realizou-se estudo ecológico objetivando analisar as taxas de homicídio e de lesão corporal ocorridas em Itaboraí, nos anos 2010-2011, considerando-se o total do município, áreas críticas e não críticas do mesmo. Os dados provêm do Sistema de Informação do Instituto de Segurança Pública do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os territórios foram identificados e delimitados consultando-se estudos sobre ocupações irregulares. Usou-se o método de "snowballing" para o reconhecimento social dessas piores condições. As localidades foram demarcadas pela diferenciação morfológica do padrão urbanístico e habitacional. As áreas foram georreferenciadas, e os agravos foram localizados geograficamente e organizados segundo sua área crítica correspondente. Calcularam-se as taxas municipais usando-se a estimativa populacional do IBGE; para as áreas críticas fez-se a estimativa pelo número de habitações multiplicado por um fator igual à média da densidade intradomiciliar no setor censitário correspondente. Observou-se diminuição da taxa de homicídio e crescimento de lesão corporal em Itaboraí; maior risco de lesão corporal nos territórios críticos com as piores condições de vida, sugerindo a existência de iniquidades sociais que tornam certos espaços sociais mais vulneráveis aos agravos violentos.

Abstract An ecological study aimed at analyzing homicide rates and actual bodily harm was conducted in Itaboraí, in the years 2010 to 2011. The entire municipality was used in the study covering critical and non-critical areas. The data came from the Information System for the Public Security Institute in Rio de Janeiro state. The territories were identified and defined by referring to studies on illegal occupations of areas. The snowballing method was used for the social recognition of poor conditions. The morphological differentiation of urban and housing standards marked the locations. The areas were georeferenced, and the problems were located geographically and organized according to their corresponding critical area. We calculated the municipal rates using population estimates from IBGE. For the critical areas, we obtained estimates of the number of households multiplied by a factor equal to the average household density in the corresponding census tract. There was a decrease in homicide rates and a rise in actual bodily harm in Itaboraí. We also found that there was an increased risk of bodily injury in critical areas with the worst living conditions, suggesting the existence of social inequalities that make certain social spaces more vulnerable to incidents involving violent injuries.

Identification of New Designer Benzodiazepine Diclazepam in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To identify the new designer drugs which are totally unknown and not in the routine testing list by the technologies such as high-resolution mass spectrometry in drug facilitated sexual assault, in order to solve the problem in actual cases.@*METHODS@#The milky fluid from an actual case was extracted and analyzed using LC-QE, ¹H-NMR and GC-MS, respectively. The accurate masses and cluster ions isotope patterns of unknown compound were obtained by LC-QE. The molecular formula was confirmed as C₁₆H₁₂C₂N₂O based on the protons number of ¹H-NMR. The isomers diclazepam and 4-chlorodiazepam were separated and detected with GC-MS.@*RESULTS@#The new designer benzodiazepine as diclazepam in the milky fluid was identified. The results provided direct evidence for the investigation and qualitative analysis of such cases.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The combined application of various methods, including LC-QE, ¹H-NMR and GC-MS, can be used to detect unknown new psychoactive substances.

Análise da tendência da mortalidade feminina por agressão no Brasil, estados e regiões / Analysis of the female mortality trend due to assault in Brazil, States and Regions

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a tendência temporal da taxa de mortalidade feminina por agressão no Brasil, regiões e estados no período de 2002 a 2012. Estudo ecológico de série temporal com dados secundários de mulheres na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos mortas por agressão. As taxas de mortalidade foram analisadas por regressão linear simples, estratificadas por região, Índice de Gini e Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano (IDH). Evidenciou-se no país tendência estável na taxa de mortalidade feminina por agressão, com diferenças entre estados e regiões. O Centro-Oeste apresentou maiores taxas e tendência de estagnação. Observou-se tendência de aumento nas regiões Norte, Nordeste e Sul e diminuição na região Sudeste. Os estados pertencentes ao tercil com maior IDH apresentam tendência de declínio e estabilização nos 1º e 2º tercis. Foi observado aumento da taxa de mortalidade nos estados com maior desigualdade social. Apesar do comportamento de estabilização no país os resultados apontam para a necessidade de políticas sociais adequadas às especificidades dos estados e regiões.

Abstract This study aimed to analyze time trend of female mortality due to assault in Brazil, regions and states from 2002 to 2012. This is an ecological times series study with secondary data from women aged 20-59 years who died due to assault. Mortality rates were analyzed by simple linear regression and stratified by region, Gini Index and Human Development Index (HDI). The trend of female rate of mortality due to assault was stable in the country, with differences between states and regions. The Midwest had the highest rates and stagnation trend. There was an increased trend in the North, Northeast and South and a decreased trend in the Southeast. The states of the tertile with the highest HDI evidenced a declining trend and stabilization in the first and second tertiles. An increased mortality rate was recorded in states with greater social inequality. Notwithstanding the national stabilization behavior, results point to the need for social policies appropriate to the specificities of states and regions.

Propiedades psicométricas del manual para la valoración del riesgo de violencia contra la pareja (SARA) en agresores chilenos / Psychometric properties of the manual for the evaluation of the risk of violence against the couple (SARA) in Chilean aggressors

La finalidad de este estudio instrumental fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Manual para la Valoración del Riesgo de Violencia contra la Pareja SARA (The Spousal Assault Risk Assessment) por medio de la adaptación y de la obtención de indicadores de validez concurrente y diagnóstica y de consistencia interna. La muestra estuvo conformada por 62 participantes, 32 agresores contra la pareja y 30 no agresores contra la pareja (muestra de contraste). Se administró el Manual SARA adaptado, junto al Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) versión chilena y el Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) versión chilena. Los resultados sugieren buenos coeficientes de consistencia interna, validez concurrente y validez diagnóstica. Se discuten las implicancias de los hallazgos.

The purpose of this instrumental study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) through an adaptation process and evaluating concurrent and diagnostic validity and internal consistency. The participants were 62, 32 offenders against their couple and 30 non-offenders against their couple (comparison sample). The instruments were SARA adapted, the chilean version of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) and the chilean version of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The results suggest good reliability coefficients, concurrent validity and diagnostic accuracy. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Virginia Woolf, neuroprogression, and bipolar disorder

Family history and traumatic experiences are factors linked to bipolar disorder. It is known that the lifetime risk of bipolar disorder in relatives of a bipolar proband are 5-10% for first degree relatives and 40-70% for monozygotic co-twins. It is also known that patients with early childhood trauma present earlier onset of bipolar disorder, increased number of manic episodes, and more suicide attempts. We have recently reported that childhood trauma partly mediates the effect of family history on bipolar disorder diagnosis. In light of these findings from the scientific literature, we reviewed the work of British writer Virginia Woolf, who allegedly suffered from bipolar disorder. Her disorder was strongly related to her family background. Moreover, Virginia Woolf was sexually molested by her half siblings for nine years. Her bipolar disorder symptoms presented a pernicious course, associated with hospitalizations, suicidal behavioral, and functional impairment. The concept of neuroprogression has been used to explain the clinical deterioration that takes places in a subgroup of bipolar disorder patients. The examination of Virgina Woolf’s biography and art can provide clinicians with important insights about the course of bipolar disorder.

Síndrome del niño agredido: importancia de estudios radiológicos / Battered child syndrome: importance of radiological studies

Resumen:El síndrome del niño agredido, constituye uno de los casos que se valoran en la Sección Clínica Médico Forense, donde se deben tomar en cuenta elementos objetivos que permitan establecer la relación de causalidad entre los hallazgos evidenciados en las valoraciones con los documentos médicos o estudios radiológicos realizados al menor, ya que en la mayoría de las veces la historia brindada por el adulto a cargo no explica o no es compatible con las lesiones evidenciadas. En el presente artículo se expone un caso en el cual los estudios radiológicos fueron claves para poder catalogar el caso como síndrome de niño agredido; así mismo la importancia y relevancia que tienen la realización de estos estudios.fhernandezar@poder-judicial.go.cr

Abstract:The child syndrome attacked, is one of the cases that are valued at the Forensic Medical Clinic, where you must take into account objective evidence to establish a causal link between the findings evidenced in the ratings with medical documents or radiologic studies made the child, since in most of the time the story provided by the adult in charge does not explain or is not compatible with evidenced injuries. In this article a case in which imaging studies were key to classify the case as exposed assaulted baby syndrome; and the importance and relevance that are conducting these studies.