TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2014//
TI  - Fear of the perpetrator: A major reason why sexual assault victims delayed presenting at hospital
JO  - Tropical medicine and international health
A1  - Adefolalu, Adegoke O.
SP  - 342
EP  - 347
VL  - 19
IS  - 3
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 1360-2276
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tmi.12249
ID  - ref1
ER  -