Citation

Tayler-Smith K, Zachariah R, Hinderaker SG, Manzi M, De Plecker E, Van Wolvelaer P, Gil T, Goetghebuer S, Ritter H, Bawo L, Davis-Worzi C. Trop. Med. Int. Health 2012; 17(11): 1356-1360.

Affiliation

Medecins sans Frontieres, Medical Department, Operational Center Brussels, Luxembourg, Luxembourg  Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway  International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France  Medecins sans Frontieres, Operational Center Brussels, Brussels, Belgium  Medecins sans Frontieres, Monrovia, Liberia  Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Monrovia, Liberia  Ministry of Gender and Development, Monrovia, Liberia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-3156.2012.03066.x

PMID

22882628

Abstract

Using routine data from three clinics offering care to survivors of sexual violence (SV) in Monrovia, Liberia, we describe the characteristics of SV survivors and the pattern of SV and discuss how the current approach could be better adapted to meet survivors' needs. There were 1500 survivors seeking SV care between January 2008 and December 2009. Most survivors were women (98%) and median age was 13 years (Interquartile range: 9-17 years). Sexual aggression occurred during day-to-day activities in 822 (55%) cases and in the survivor's home in 552 (37%) cases. The perpetrator was a known civilian in 1037 (69%) SV events. Only 619 (41%) survivors sought care within 72 h. The current approach could be improved by: effectively addressing the psychosocial needs of child survivors, reaching male survivors, targeting the perpetrators in awareness and advocacy campaigns and reducing delays in seeking care.

Language: en