Trauma related to sexual assault in Calabar, south eastern Nigeria

A woman who is sexually assaulted experiences intense anxiety and fear. The associated stigmatization often results in under reporting and management difficulties. The aims of this study are to document the types of injuries seen in victims of sexual assault and to highlight problems in management of cases.

Twenty-two case files of sexual assault victims between January 1998 and December 2001 were reviewed for age, types of injuries sustained and treatment received.

Age range of all victims was 4 to 23 years. The knife was used by the perpetrator in 8 (36.4%) cases. Time interval between assault and presentation to hospital was up to 12 hours in 13 (59.1%) cases. Superficial abrasions, bruises, and lacerations were observed in 12 (54.6%) cases. Six (27.3%) victims paid for human immunodeficiency virus screen and the results were non-reactive. Ten (45.5%) victims had primary repair of perineal tear.

Sexual assault is associated with multiple bruises, lacerations, and perineal tears. Commercialization of medical services was a hindrance to proper management of cases.