ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual assault can be described as any unpleasant physical or sexual contact carried out without consent against another person.). As compared to the developing countries, the ratio of rape is greater in developed countries.). Prevalence of sexual assault is much greater than on the records owing to lack of legal support and health care service for the victims. Also in Pakistan the prevalence of sexual assault reported is lower than the actual numbers, especially in rural population. Objective: We reviewed all the cases and identified the Socio- demographic characteristics of victims. Method: This is a retrospective study conducted in the Peoples Medical University Hospital, Nawabshah. During the time period of August 2017 to December 2019, all cases having female sexual assault victims were analyzed. We reviewed all the cases and identified the Socio- demographic characteristics of victims. Results: In the time period of August 2017 to December 2019, there were 112 sexual assault cases having female victims were found on record. The ages of patients were in the range of 15-40 years and mean age was found to be 22.4±3.12 years. Age group 15-25 years female wasmost commonly reported in cases. Among 112 females, 66.9% victims were unmarried and 65% victims belong to lower socioeconomic class. Conclusion: Sexual assault has detrimental effects on every aspect of one’s life. Studies on prevalence of sexual assault and factors owing to it must be studied all over the country. Awareness amongst rural population should be done to overcome under reporting of sexual assault cases.