Study of Cases of Child Sexual Abuse Referred for Medico-Legal Examination in Cairo and Giza, Egypt,2007–2011

ABSTRACT

Child sexual abuse is a complex problem that results in detrimental effects on its victims. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of child sexual abuse in cases referred for medico-legal examination in Cairo and Giza governorates in the period between 2007–2011. The study included 813 cases of child sexual abuse. Female gender was more predominant than male gender (52.8%, 4.29 cases), and adolescents were the most frequent age group identified as victims of sexual abuse (43.8%, 356 cases). All perpetrators were male and most of them were persons outside the victims’ families (89.9%, 731 cases). It was recommended to teach and encourage children to tell their caregivers if they have been assaulted and to educate parents and caregivers on how to respond when the child discloses sexual abuse.

KEYWORDS:

• children
• genital
• offender/perpetrator
• victim
• violence

Acknowledgment

The authors acknowledge employees in the achieve unit in the medico-legal administration for their help to complete this study. Study of cases of child sexual abuse referred for medico-legal examination in Cairo and Giza, Egypt, 2007-2011.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amany E. Abd El Rahman

Amany E. Abd El Rahman, PhD, is a professor of forensic medicine in Ain Shams University, Egypt. She has authored several articles in forensic medicine and toxicology.

Sonya M. S. Azab

Sonya M. S. Azab, PhD, is an associate professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ain Shams University, Egypt. She has authored several articles in forensic medicine, clinical toxicology, and medical ethics. She has a special interest in domestic violence.

Mohamed Ramadan

Mohamed Ramadan, MBBCH, MSc, is a medico-legal expert in the Ministry of Justice, Egypt. He has a long experience in medico-legal investigations and has a special interest in domestic violence.