Citation

Read KM, Kufera JA, Jackson MC, Dischinger PC. Am. J. Emerg. Med. 2005; 23(3): 273-278.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ajem.2005.01.002

PMID

15915397

Abstract

Objective: To document the population-based incidence of sexual assault in Baltimore, Md, victims' alcohol/drug use, and pre-event circumstances. Methods: Between 1997 and 1999, the city's sexual assault treatment center treated 1,038 victims (age >/= 13 years). Data were extracted from forensic narratives. Analysis was restricted to frequency tables and bar graphs. Incidence was calculated based on 1998 population figures. Results: The incidence of sexual assault among females aged 13 years or older was 117 per 100 000. Seventy percent of patients were less than 30 years old. Fifty-three percent tested positive for alcohol/drugs. Two thirds sustained physical or genital injury; 30% sustained both. The most common pre-event circumstances were walking/being followed (27%) and visiting a friend's home (24%). Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of physical/genital injury, supporting the call for an injury severity scale for sexual assault and for increased substance abuse counseling and educational/health resources to mitigate sexual assault and offer meaningful response when such crimes occur.