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Sexual assault centers: attendance rates, and differences between early and late presenting cases.
- Source :
-
Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica [Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand] 2008; Vol. 87 (7), pp. 707-15. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Objective: Sexual assault centers (SACs) aim at assisting victims and to provide forensic medical examination (FME). This study explores the gap between assaults actually occurring and those seen at SAC; and the characteristics of cases presented in time/too late for FME (early and late cohorts).<br />Design: Retrograde descriptive study.<br />Setting and Sample: A two-year series from a self-referral SAC; characteristics of victims, assaults, use of services.<br />Methods: Chi-quadrate, uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses.<br />Main Outcome Measures: Number of female victims seen/female at-risk population (attendance rates). Case and service profiles in the two cohorts. Adjusted odds for late presentation.<br />Results: Attendance rates for females were 0.12% (14-55 years); an estimated 4-7% of sexually assaulted females in the catchment area. Two hundred and seventy eight victims arrived in time for FME, 76 later; 6% males. Assaults in the early cohort were more often performed by strangers. Two hundred and thirty-eight victims underwent FME, 55% complied with follow-up, 55% reported to the police. The late cohort contained more adolescent victims, more acquainted/partner perpetrators, more verbal coercion; 45% medically examined, 80% follow-up compliance; 34% reported to police. Further referrals occurred equally often in both cohorts; 12% to somatic and 39% to psychiatric services. Among victims seen, 5% died within 7 years of consultation.<br />Conclusion: Cases seen at SAC are strongly selected. The late cohort seems more representative of the commonly occurring assaults; young victims, known assailants. Even late presenters are in need of a multidisciplinary approach.
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Coercion
Counseling statistics & numerical data
Crime Victims statistics & numerical data
Female
Forensic Medicine
Hospitalization statistics & numerical data
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Norway
Physical Examination statistics & numerical data
Police
Referral and Consultation statistics & numerical data
Retrospective Studies
Time Factors
Urban Health Services statistics & numerical data
Urban Population
Ambulatory Care Facilities statistics & numerical data
Sex Offenses statistics & numerical data
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1600-0412
- Volume :
- 87
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 18607821
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1080/00016340802189847