Natural sexual offences; medicolegal assessment in Punjab

ABSTRACT

Globally, rape of women is a serious health, social and religious concern and is considered as a violation of women basic human right. The aim was to ascertain incidence of natural sexual offence [rape] in Punjab and to analyze the data with respect to sociodemographic characteristics, findings of medicolegal examination and results of evidence collected from victims of sexual assault. This retrospective study was conducted on 148 female victims of rape brought to Forensic Medicine Department of King Edward Medical University Lahore, Fatima Jinnah Medical College Lahore and Nishtar Medical College, Multan from January 2012 to December 2013 for medicolegal examination. Details pertaining to socio-demographic profile of the victim, incident, findings of medical examination and results of evidence collected were noted. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The most affected age group was 11-20 years [60.8%]. Majority of victims were unmarried [70.9%], non- working [79.72%] and of lower socioeconomic class [71.6%] All were Muslims [100%]. The highest number of victims was examined on the second day [24.3%]. 31% cases were of gang rape. Majority knew the assailant [45.9%]. The commonest place of offence was an isolated place [66.2%] Extragenital injuries were seen in 10.8% cases. Hymen was intact in 3.3% victims. The tears of hymen were old in 77.6% and fresh in 22.3% cases. Semen was detected in 18.2% cases. 1.3% victims were pregnant and 4% were intoxicated. The study highlights the importance of addressing rape as an important health issue