Preschool infant sexual assault: Experiences at sexual assault clinic / 대한산부인과학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Life cycles and social environments are different among sexual assault victims according to ages, a study of sexual assault should be individualized by specific age groups. The aim of this study was to make basic data for proper management or prevention of infant sexual assaults by evaluating experiences at sexual assault clinic. METHODS: Two hundreds and ten sexual assault victims referred to specialized sexual assault clinic in teaching hospital. There were 25 infant victims aged 2 to 6 years, then retrospective chart reviews were done. Collecting evidences and managements processes were carried out by the female obstetric doctors who were specially trained to manage sexual assault patients. Analysis was done to determine the frequency, location and severity of genital and non genital physical trauma and the site and time of the assault, the nature of the physical contacts, use of weapons were recorded. RESULTS: Infant sexual assaults occupies 11.9% of all sexual assault cases. Those occurred frequently between 1400 to 1800 (44%). Play-grounds or rooftop of apartments were the most frequent place (52%) for assault. Genital fondling with finger was the most frequent type of assaults. Vaginal intercourses tried in 6 cases (24%). No severe genital or body wounds observed. Specific psychologic treatments were needed in 6 infants (24%). CONCLUSION: Infant sexual assaults were different from other age groups of victims in place, type, time, assailant characteristics.