Sexual abuse: Epidemiological, clinical aspects and management at gynaecological and obstetrical department of Dakar university hospital

Objectives: To carry out the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of supposed victims of sexual abuse and to evaluate case management. Patients and methods: A prospective study was conducted about cases of presumed sexual abuse received at the gynaecological and obstetrical clinic department of Aristide-le-Dantec hospital from January 2003 to May 2005. Results: A total of 55 cases were reported and represented 0.4% of admissions in the clinic during the period of study. Twenty percent of them (20%) were referred on judicial requisition. The mean time between sexual abuse and consultation was 15 days. Victims were 14 years old in average, nulligeste in 96.5% of cases and living in the suburban area of Dakar. The presumed "violenter" was a man of 32 years, belonging to the environment of the victim in 70% of cases (spiritual guide, joint-tenant, friend of the family...). The type of sexual assault was an unprotected genito-genital intercourse in 67.3% of cases. On the clinical plan, 70.9% of patients suffered recent genital traumatism, 54.5% genital examination showed hymeneal lesions. The HIV test was positive in two cases. During the follow-up of the patients, three pregnancies occurred and for only 9.1%, a psychological assistance was proposed. Conclusion: Sexual abuses represent a current sociocultural issue. Prevention required large information campaign. Early management is necessary in order to prevent the sexual transmitted diseases and psychological side effects. © 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.