The pattern of rape in Benin City, Nigeria

A retrospective study of 330 female victims of alleged rape seen over a 3-year period [1981-1983] in Benin City, Nigeria revealed that children of elementary school age (6-12 years) and adolescent girls (13-19 years) were the major victims; 48.2 percent of the reported cases occurred in children below 13 years of age. Major differences were noted in the pattern and clinical presentation of rape between the child and adult victims. Group rape involving multiple assailants was encountered mostly in adult victims amongst whom the incidence was 47%. Physical injuries following rape were seen in 33% of the alleged victims; injuries to the genital area occurred in 45% of the child rape victims and in 16% of the adult victims while injuries to extragenital areas of the body were found mostly in the adult victims.