Child sexual abuse: Seven years in practice

Bahali K., AKÇAN R., Tahiroglu A. Y., Avci A.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, vol.55, no.3, pp.633-636, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 55 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2010.01357.x
  • Journal Name: Journal of Forensic Sciences
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.633-636
  • Keywords: Child abuse, Forensic science, Psychiatry, Psychopathology, Sexual abuse, Turkey
  • Istanbul Gelisim University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of sexually abused children. The records of 101 cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) were retrospectively evaluated. Socio-demographic characteristics of the victims, type of sexual abuse, and psychiatric diagnosis were studied. Of the victims, 56.4% (n = 57) were female and 43.6% (n = 44) were male. The mean age was 9.57 ± 3.5, with a range of 4-17 years. Ninety-three (92.1%) of the victims had been admitted as part of the legal process. The majority (66.3%) of the victims had been abused by an acquaintance, while 33.7% had been abused by a stranger. Anal or vaginal penetration was reported in 48.5% of the cases. Post-traumatic stress disorder was the most common (54.5%) psychiatric diagnosis established after sexual abuse. Descriptive data related to the abused children and an understanding of the consequences of CSA will help authorities in planning prevention. © 2010 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.