A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT: INJURIES, DEMOGRAPHICS, REPORTING DELAYS, AND MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS IN CASES PRESENTED TO KHYBER MEDICAL COLLEGE, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Background: Sexual assault remains a pervasive public health issue globally, with profound physical, psychological, and social consequences. In Pakistan, particularly in KPK, sociocultural stigma and systemic barriers significantly impede the reporting and management of such cases.

Objective: To analyze the patterns of injuries in sexual violence cases and its association with demographic characteristics of victims in Peshawar. To evaluate the impact of delays in reporting sexual assault on medical, legal, and forensic outcomes.. To assess the mental health consequences of sexual violence, including trauma, anxiety, and depression, among survivors.

Material and Methods: A retrospective Cross sectional study was conducted on 177 female sexual assault cases reported to the Forensic Department of Khyber Medical College, Peshawar during a period of 1st Jan 2023 to 31st dec 2024.Data were analyzed for demographic trends, types of physical injuries, semen analysis, psychological impact, reporting delays, and correlations between sexual activity status and mental health outcomes using SPSS version 25. Data was presented in the form of tables and graphs.

Results: The mean age of victims was 20.7 ± 8.3 years. A majority of 143 individuals (80.8%) were from urban areas. Genital injuries were present in 143cases (20.3%), with abrasions 18cases (10.2%) and lacerations 17cases (9.6%) being the most common. Extragenital injuries were reported in9 5.1%. Positive semen analysis was found in 131 (74.0%). Adverse mental health outcomes were observed in 76cases (42.9%). Reporting delays averaged 4.3 ± 2.8 days.

Conclusion: Sexual assault cases in KP disproportionately affect young urban women, with substantial delays in reporting that compromise forensic and psychological outcomes. Mental health effects are significant.