A Retrospective Study on the Socio-Demographics Characteristics and Awareness Levels among Adolescent Sexual Assault Victims

Abstract

Background: Sexual assault among adolescents is a major medico-legal and public health concern in Bangladesh. Their physical and emotional vulnerability, coupled with limited awareness and inadequate access to support services, creates significant barriers to reporting and receiving timely care. The objective of this study was to assess the Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Awareness Levels among Adolescent Sexual Assault Victims at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed medico-legal records of 236 female adolescent victims of sexual assault, aged 10–19 years, who were reported to Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were extracted regarding socio-demographic characteristics, place and circumstances of the incident, history of first sexual exposure, time of reporting, and awareness of early medical examination. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD), while categorical variables were summarized as frequency (n) and percentage (%) and presented as tables and figure.
Results: Most victims were in the 16–19-year age group (110, 46.6%) and the majority were students (145, 78.8%). A large proportion of the victims belonged to lower socioeconomic backgrounds (148; 62.7%), and 102 (43.2%) had an education level up to the secondary level. Incidents most commonly occurred at the accursed residence (106, 44.9%), and in more than half of the cases, the perpetrator was an intimate partner (120, 51%). A history of first sexual exposure was present in 180 cases (76.3%). Most victims presented after more than 72 hours of the incident (118, 50%), indicating delayed reporting. Additionally, only 38 victims (16.1%) demonstrated adequate awareness of the importance of early 
reporting.
Conclusion: The majority of victims are female students, frequently assaulted by individuals known to them. Awareness regarding sexual safety and legal protection is low, and many adolescents present late for forensic examination. Strengthening preventive education, improving community protection mechanisms, and enhancing medico-legal response systems are essential to address this issue effectively.

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll 2025; 17(1): 16-20