@article{ref1,
title="Fear of the perpetrator: A major reason why sexual assault victims delayed presenting at hospital",
journal="Tropical medicine and international health",
year="2014",
author="Adefolalu, Adegoke O.",
volume="19",
number="3",
pages="342-347",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To identify the reasons for presentation of sexual assault more than 72 h after the incidents at Newcastle Hospital, South Africa.   METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 534 medical records of victims seen between 2005 and 2009 at the hospital's sexual assault service centre.   RESULTS: Overall, 219 (41%) of the victims presented at the hospital more than 72 h after the alleged sexual assault, mainly for fear of the perpetrator (37.4%). Females constituted 87%, and rape with vaginal penetration was the most common form of sexual assault reported (74%). Tests of significance showed a positive association between fear of the perpetrator and delayed presentation at hospital. Age under 9 years and being scared of what relatives would say about alleged sexual assault were also associated with delayed presentation.   CONCLUSIONS: Attention needs to be focused on educating society on the importance of reporting sexual assault incidents promptly in order for victims to benefit from appropriate medical treatment.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1360-2276",
doi="10.1111/tmi.12249",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tmi.12249"
}