Background Method Results Conclusion

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Background: Sexual assault is a social problem of public health concern worldwide. It is a violation of the rights of victims irrespective of gender.Objective: This study was design to assess the incidence, profile of victims and clinical presentation by victims of reported cases of rape at the health facility. Methods:The study was a prospective assessment of rape cases seen at the Police clinic Makurdi, Nigeria over a period of 21 months. The data was collected with a proforma and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Chi Square was used as a test of statistics with P-value of 0.05 (95% CI) as statistical significance.Results: Within the study period, 178 gynecological cases were managed out of which 46 were rape cases given an incidence of 25.8%. Average age of victims was 14±0.9 years. The most affected age group is pre-teens (8-12years) 39.1% and teens (13-18years) 34.8%, majority therefore been pupils/students 84.4% of primary schools (50.0%) and secondary (34.8%) education. Majority of them staying in urban environment (82.6%) with both parents (50%). The commonest clinical presentation was abnormal vaginal discharge (23.9%), bleeding (21.7%) and genital tear (21.7%). In most cases the victim was assaulted by one assailant (91.3%), at his home (56.5%), in the afternoon (43.5%) and he was either a friend/acquaintance (39.1%) or stranger (34.8%). Only 39.1% of victims presented within 24 hours of the incident. Conclusion:Sexuality education by parents and school authorities as well as legislation against this crime and punishment of offenders will halt the rampant trend of this malady.