Citation

Worm AM, Johansen MS, Nielsen NH. Ugeskr. Laeger 1997; 160(1): 41-44.

Vernacular Title

Seksuelle overgreb bedomt ud fra retslaegelige undersogelser.

Affiliation

H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, dermatologisk afdeling D, Embedslaegeinstitutionen for Københavns Amt og Frederiksberg.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Den Alm Danske Laegerforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9446264

Abstract

In a retrospective study, legal journal materials from Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, and Copenhagen county were examined with respect to persons over the age of 15 who had been subjected to sexual assault during the period of April 1, 1992, through March 31, 1995. A total of 178 forensic examinations of such persons occurred during this period. 175 were of women and 3 were of men, with an average age of 25 years (15-80 years). Penetration by penis (vaginally, anally, and/or orally) was described in 139 cases (78%). For 6 women in the age range of 15-21, the assault also meant the first sexual intercourse. At the time of the assault, 133 (75%) of the victims were asked about the use of contraception; 87 (65%) of these were not using any. 81 (46%) of the victims were under the influence of alcohol and 23 (13%) were under the influence of narcotics and/or drugs. In 107 cases (60%), the perpetrator was known to the victim. In 102 cases, the assault was carried out by means of physical violence and in 24 cases, under threat by a weapon. Forensic examination revealed lesions in 20 cases (11%), most often as bleeding or tears in the genital area. 72 (52%) of victims were advised to get an examination for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 28 (48%) of those referred to the Copenhagen Venereological Clinic underwent such an examination and none had an STD. There is need for follow-up examination, talk, and counseling after rape, and Denmark should establish a center for rape victims accessible to the public where the examination and support would not be dependent on a police report.

Language: da