[Sexual aggression in adolescents. Epidemiologic study]

Sexual assault is an enormous social and public health problem. Most victims are young women. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of this crime in adolescents. The study involved 213 patients separated in two subgroups: adolescents and non adolescents. In adolescents, much of this violence is perpetrated by an acquaintance or relative. Th frequency of sexually transmitted diseases was 20% and rape-related pregnancy was identified in 10% of victims. All victims of sexual assault must be encouraged for both medical and psychological evaluation.