Sexual Assault and Its Psychopathological Repercussions in the Life of Female Students in Northeastern Benin (2023)

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychic repercussions of sexual assault among female students in Parakou in 2023. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from December 2022 to July 2023 among all students at the University of Parakou. The sampling technique was stratified non-proportional at two levels. The dependent variable was self-reported sexual assault. The psychopathological repercussions linked to sexual assault and explored in these students were: post-traumatic stress disorder assessed with the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-5 (PCL-5) scale;and current depression screened with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale. Results: A total of 376 female students from the University of Parakou meeting the inclusion criteria were surveyed. The average age of the subjects surveyed was 20.56 ± 2.46 years, with extremes of 16 and 32 years. A predominance of subjects under 25 was observed. The prevalence of sexual assault among female students at the University of Parakou was 10.63%. The types of aggression suffered were mostly rape (18 people;45%) and sexual touching (16 people;40%), and the aggressors were mainly friends/boyfriends (13;32.5%), family members (12;30.0%) and people from the house/neighborhood (9;22.5%). Psychological repercussions included depression in 72.5% (29) of cases, with mild depression in 30% (12), moderate depression in 37.5% (15) and severe depression in 5% (2). Anxiety disorders were present in 27.50% (11) of victims. The risk factors associated with sexual assault in these students were gravidity (p = 0.014;OR = 15.32), unhappy life events (p = 0.01;OR = 17.24), and age of first sexual intercourse (p = 0.016;OR = 4.608). Conclusion: One in ten female students in Parakou has been sexually assaulted. Once again, preventive action through effective sex education is a means of fighting the problem that should be prioritized for every girl and boy from an early age. Psychological support by specialists should be offered to any victim discovered without delay. Communication on the subject should be multiplied in all family and academic educational environments, from the lowest to the highest levels.

Sexual Assault: Epidemiological Profile and Clinical Aspects at the Brazzaville University Hospital Center

Objective: to identify the socio-demographic profile of the alleged victims of sexual assault, to define the characteristics of the aggressors, to describe the types of clinical lesions, and to analyze the link between these different parameters.?During the study period, 5620 clients were admitted to gynecological emergencies, including 150 for sexual assault (2.6%). The alleged victims of aggression were 14 years old on average [range: 2?-?49 years]. Among these clients, there were 147 (98%) women and 3 (2%) men [sex ratio: 0.02]. They had a primary education level of 38%, secondary to 42.7%, and single in 87.2% of cases. Clients came from home (69.3%) or police station (24.7%). The perpetrator was male, with an average age of 25.5 years [range: 16 to 35 years]. Regarding the relationship with the victim, the neighborhood accounted for 83%. The perpetrator was alone in 76.7% of cases, two (14%) or more (16.7%), up to 18.?The aggressor’s home was the place of aggression (39.3%). The threats were made using knives (49.3%) and firearms (8.5%). The perpetrator used either his sex (79.9%), his fingers (34.2%) or an object (2.7%). The route of entry was vaginal (94.6%), anal (21.7%) and oral (10%). The abuser used the condom in 74.7% of cases.?Customers had viewed within 24 hours (40.7%). The general state and hemodynamics at admission was normal for all clients. Physical injuries were injuries (23%) and scrapes (34.5%). External genitalia included perineal tears (28%), vaginal tears (8.6%), hymenal tears (7.3%), and old deflowering (72.7%). The hymen was intact in 20%.?The bi-varied analysis found a correlation with a statistically significant difference in the age range of the alleged victims with the number of aggressors, the time of aggression, the path and type of penetration, and the weapon used for the threat.

Sexual assaults in therapeutic relationships: prevalence, risk factors and consequences

A law has been passed in Germany (paragraph 174c StGB), which prohibits therapists from having sexual contact with their patients. This provides the background for a follow-up survey to the previous study completed by Becker- Fischer and Fischer in 1995. The results of this survey are discussed here on the basis of the current status of research concerning preva- lence and risk factors of sexual assaults in therapeutic relationships. The focus of the re- search lies in determining the specific condi- tions of sexual assaults in psychotherapy and psychiatry, risk variables of the therapists and patients, the effects it has on the patients as well as the legal consequences it results in. To en- sure the comparability of the data, an online version of the Questionnaire about Sexual Con- tacts in Psychotherapy and Psychiatry (SKPP;Becker-Fischer, Fischer & Jerouschek) was cre- ated and a survey of N = 77 affected patients was conducted. The majority of the participants in the study reported a serious decline in their overall well being following the incident. How- ever only very few undertook legal steps - only in three cases did it come to a legal procedure. The assumption that sexual contacts in psy- chotherapy result in extremely damaging con- sequences to patients, was affirmed. Despite the changed legal situation, therapists in Ger- many are still not held legally responsible more often than they were 10 years ago. Based on these results a more intensive education of the patients concerning their legal rights is recom- mended.

Verbal Abuse, Physical Assault, and Harassment in Pediatric Medical Settings: A Nationwide Survey in Japan

Background: Verbal abuse, physical assault, and harassment of pediatric healthcare workers by patients and their families have become increasingly serious. These incidents lead to various problems, including the deterioration of staff members’ mental health and employee turnover. Methods: This study was conducted as the first Japanese nationwide survey to assess the abuse perpetrated by patients and families and experienced by medical staff in pediatric medical settings in 2018, countermeasures employed, and staff member evaluations of the countermeasures. Results: Responses from 526 facilities were received, clinics accounted for 79.8% of these facilities;88.1% of the respondents were females. Further, 10.5% of the facility staff reported having experienced verbal abuse, violence, or harassment from patients or family members. Of 1103 cases of victimizations, there were 719, 136, and 248 cases of verbal abuse, violence, and harassment, respectively. Manuals and guidelines had been created and training and drill performances were conducted as countermeasures in 10.7% and 9.0% of facilities, respectively;7.3% of staff members felt that the countermeasures were effective, corresponding to 45.6% of the affected staff. Conclusion: The findings suggest the necessity of thoroughly familiarizing staff with existing facility countermeasures as well as introducing new countermeasures such as victimization simulations.

Relationship between Level of Knowledge on Anger Control and Occurrence of Real Assaultive Behaviour in Patients (20 - 45 Years) Admitted at a National Referral Psychiatric Hospital in Zimbabwe

Background: Aggressive tendencies from psychiatric inpatients are increasingly becoming problematic at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. No research has been done in this context to determine the dynamics around this disturbing phenomenon. Objectives: To determine the level of knowledge on anger control, to determine the occurrence of real assaultive behaviour and to examine the relationship between level of knowledge on anger control and occurrence of real assaultive behaviour in patients aged 20 - 45 years admitted at a national referral psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe. Method: A descriptive correlational design was used. Seventy-six respondents aged between 20 and 45 years were selected using simple random sampling. A structured interview was used to collect data. The occurrence of real assaultive behaviour was adapted from the Staff Observation and Aggression Scale completed by observing patients during the assaultive behaviour occurrence. Patient observation was done by the psychiatric trained nurses who were specifically trained for this study to fill the part of the data collection instrument that needed observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation Coefficient test and simple regression analysis. Results: Results showed a Pearson coefficient test of (r = -3.47, p Conclusions: Results call for collaboration of mental health practitioners to empower patients with anger control skills.

Epidemiological Clinical Aspects and Medical Management of Sexual Assault in the Region of Ségou in Mali

Introduction: Sexual assault is an act of a sexual nature perpetrated on another person without their consent. Goal: To describe the epidemio-clinical aspects and the medical management of sexual assault in the Segou region. Methodology: This was a retro-prospective descriptive study from September 2010 to September 2018 on the alleged female victims of sexual assault registered in the Gynecology and Obstetrics departments of the hospital and the sanitary quarters of Ségou. Results: We recorded 107 cases of sexual assault out of 47,729 gynecological consultations, representing a hospital prevalence of 0.22%. The victims were between 10 and 15 years old in 48.59% of the cases. Students were the most represented with 53.27% (57/107) of cases. Genito-genital contact was recorded in 90.65% (97/107) of cases. Vulvo-perineal lesions were present in 44.86% (48/107) of survivors. Hymenial deflowering was the most frequent traumatic genital lesion accounting for 43.70% (21/48) of old cases and 27.00% (13/48) of recent cases. Sexual assault was committed by a single individual in 60.75% (65/107) of cases and by a friend of the victim in 21.5% (23/107) of cases. The survivors had consulted within 24 hours of the sexual assault in 53.27% (57/107) of the cases, the treatment was medical in 68.22% (73/107) and medical-surgical in 4.7% (5/107), post-exposure prophylaxis to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) was performed in only 26.16% (28/107) of survivors. Conclusion: Sexual assault remains a concern although its frequency is low. This scourge mainly affects children and adolescents, and the lesions are mainly genitals.

Sexual Assault in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Bamako’s 5th Municipality Medical Center

Background: The authors report cases of sexual assault reported to the obstetrics and gynecology department of the Bamako’s 5th municipality medical center during a prospective study of eight months from 1st January to 31st August 31st, 2012. Results: Twenty-one cases of assault were reported out of a total of 13,482 consultations, representing a frequency of 0%, 15%. Most victims were represented by students and accounted 43% of the study population. In 76% of cases the victims knew their assailant. The type of sexual contact was genito-genital vaginal penetration in 67% of cases and the condom was used in only one case. The average time before consultation was 3 days. The preventive ARV treatment was administered in 24% of cases and emergency contraception in 43% of cases. Conclusion: Sexual assault is common in Bamako. The reality is probably underestimated because many cases are not reported. The victims are mostly children and adolescents. The risk of transmission of STIs and HIV is very high during the sexual assault. Education and awareness of the population are essential for early consultation. Training of health workers to care for victims of sexual assault is needed.

Determination of barbiturates in hair samples by using a validated UHPLC-HRMS method: application in investigation of drug-facilitated sexual assault

In recent years,benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs are the most common substances associated with drug-facilitated sexual assaults(DFSA);however,barbiturates are also detected occasionally.Segmental hair analysis provides useful information on the historic pattern of drug use,enabling differentiation between single exposure in DFSA cases and chronic use.However,sensitive and specific methods for barbiturate analysis in hair samples are needed.Herein,we present an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry(UHPLC-HRMS)method for qualitative and quantitative determination of seven barbiturates in hair samples.Firstly,a hair strand was decontaminated and then freeze-milled in liquid nitrogen.Next,50mg of powdered hair was extracted with methanol in an ultrasonic bath for 10 min in the presence of 10 ng phenobarbital-d5.The supernatant was dried under nitrogen gas,and the pellet was dissolved in 100 μL mobile phase.Afterwards,10 μL of the suspension was injected into the UHPLC-HRMS system.The present method involved two UHPLC conditions for determination of barbiturates(I)and identification of the structural isomers amobarbital and pentobarbital(II).This method showed satisfactory linearity in a range of 0.02–20.00 ng/mg for UHPLC conditions I and II,both with a high determination coefficient(0.9991–0.9999).The selectivity,intra-and interday precision,accuracy and matrix effect of the method were acceptable.Next,the validated method was applied to investigate an authentic DFSA case.Hair samples(black,approximate 25cm long)were collected 3 months after the assault,and the proximal segments(0–5 cm from the root;each segment was 1 cm long)were analysed.Amobarbital was detected at a concentration of<LOQ(limit of quantification)and 0.09 ng/mg in the second and third 1-cm hair segment but not in the other segments.Thus,our method was successful in determining barbiturate concentration in human hair after a single-dose exposure,showing its potential for application in the investigation of DFSA cases.

Evidentiary discrepancies in sexual assault casework within the US

In recent years,a significant number of investigations have discovered up to 200000 unsubmitted sexual assault kits(SAKs)in the US.While the public outcry was largely directed towards DNA analysis,the SAKs also contained biological specimens specifically designated for toxicological analysis.Due to the sensitivity of analytes in potential drug facilitated sexual assaults,the preservation and maintenance of the specimens is crucial in providing accurate toxicological measurements.The investigations into the unsubmitted SAKs have identified subjective law enforcement officer(LEO)rationale for the unsubmitted kits,however the impact on toxicological specimens has not been examined.This brief review of policies and guidelines with respect to forensic specimens has identified potential sources of evidentiary degradation,despite the use of chemical preservatives.With respect to temperature-controlled environments,the variation in SAK submission policies established throughout the US are potentially detrimental to the preservation of toxicological evidence.Degradation as a result of time-delayed collection and poorly maintained storage temperatures plays a crucial role for/in the interpretation of qualitative and quantitative toxicological results.This review finds these delays can be addressed through modernisation of facilities;electronic tracking of unsubmitted SAKs;mandated transfer of biological evidence within 72 h;and documentation of temperature within the chain of custody or other records.Without identifying the range of temperatures in which the evidence was exposed,forensic toxicologists may unintentionally provide erroneous interpretations of toxicological analyses-potentially casting doubt on the survivor’s recall of events and negatively impacting future sexual assault investigations.

Length of hospital stay and mortality associated with burns from assault:a retrospective study with inverse probability weighting analysis

Background:Burns resulting from assaults account for considerable morbidity and mortality among patients with burn injuries around the world.However,it is still unclear whether unfavorable clinical outcomes are associated primarily with the severity of the injuries.To elucidate the direct relationship between burns resulting from assaults and mortality and/or length of hospital stays,we performed this study with the hypothesis that burns from assault would be independently associated with fewer hospital-free days than would burns from other causes,regardless of the severity of burn injuries.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study,using a city-wide burn registry(1996–2017)accounting for 14 burn centers in Tokyo,Japan.Patients who arrived within 24 hours after injury were included,and those with self-inflicted burn injuries were excluded.Patients were divided into two groups according to mechanism of burns(assault vs.accident),and the number of hospitalfree days until day 30 after injury(a composite of in-hospital death and hospital length of stay)was compared between the groups.To estimate the probability that an injury would be classified as an assault,we calculated propensity scores,using multivariate logistic regression analyses adjusted for known outcome predictors.We also performed an inverse probability weighting(IPW)analysis to compare adjusted numbers of hospital-free days.Results:Of 7419 patients in the registry with burn injuries during the study period,5119 patients were included in this study.Of these,113(2.2%)were injured as a result of assault;they had significantly fewer hospital-free days than did those with burns caused by accident(18[27]vs.24[20]days;coefficient=−3.4[−5.5 to−1.3]days;p=0.001).IPW analyses similarly revealed the independent association between assault burn injury and fewer hospital-free days(adjusted coefficient=−0.6[−1.0 to−0.1]days;p=0.009).Conclusions:Burn from assault was independently associated with fewer hospital-free days,regardless of the severity of burn injuries.The pathophysiological mechanism underlying the relationship should be further studied in a prospective observational study.

Body Fluid Identification by Messenger RNA Profiling in Sexual Assault

Body fluid identification through messenger RNA(mRNA)has been proposed as a useful supplement to presumptive and confirmatory tests by previous laboratory studies;however,its application in routine clinical forensic examination was rare.We report a case of sexual assault in which body fluid identification by mRNA profiling was used.Vaginal secretions mRNA markers(MUC4,HBD1,and CYP2B7P1)were used to test the sample,being obtained positive results.This case demonstrates that mRNA profiling of body fluids could be applied to routine case examinations as an aid,acting as a scientific collaborative evidence to strengthen the medicolegal opinion.

Dassault is Geared for Growth

IFLY:What are Dassault Falcon’s global sales and deliveries in 2021?Are there any changes from the previous years?Could you please describe these changes?Carlos Branailn 2021,the company took orders for 51 Falcons versus 15 in 2020.Increased activity was due to the recovery of the business aviation market and expansion of the product line with the long-range Falcon 6X and ultra-long-range Falcon 10X.

Production Underway for New Dassault Falcon 10X

Parts production for Dassault Aviation's new ultra-long range Falcon 1oX is now underway.with final assembly of thefirstaireraft settobegin next year.

Don't Be a Hero when You're Assaulted!

Several times I heard the TV host advise people this way: "Don’t be a hero when you are assaulted. What you should do is call 911 afterwards." Personally, I have been advised by several friends to keep 20 dollars in my pocket whenever I

Male Sexual Assault More Common Than Thought

选注者言:男性所受到的性骚扰比人们想象的要严重得多。这是最近在英国召开的英国心理学会的一次会议上透出的信息。而且被骚扰人基本孤立无援:…men, as well as women, are forced into having unwanted sexual contact but few services are provided to help them deal with the assault.

可能与现实:元宇宙技术下的网络隔空性侵问题研究

元宇宙相关技术中特别是脑机接口技术的爆发式发展,使得各种网络隔空性侵行为特别是网络性交行为成为现实可能。网络隔空性侵行为的构成要素主要是行为工具(“网络社交平台类”和“远程情趣设备+网络平台”类)、性接触程度(五级)和行为类型(五类)。目前现行刑法对网络隔空性侵行为只能以猥亵类犯罪规制,无法适用强奸罪和负有照护职责人员性侵罪。反思现行刑法对性侵犯罪的规制体系,提出以“性器插入—被插入中心论”的观点来划分性交行为和猥亵行为的界限,建议扩大强奸罪和负有照护职责人员性侵罪的行为对象范围,改强奸罪为强制性交罪。通过构建新的性侵犯罪刑法规制体系,以应对元宇宙技术下各种复杂的网络隔空性侵行为的出现,并以此为契机推动性侵犯罪国际标准的构建。

未成年男性性权益的刑法保护——对我国《刑法》第236条之一的立法论思考

我国刑事立法对未成年男性的性权益保护存在不均衡、不完整情况。并且学界对于性侵未成年人犯罪的法益尚未达成共识,致使对未成年男性性权益的保护并不完整。基于未成年人的特殊身份以及以性别不同为基础的心理差异,家长主义应当介入未成年男性性权益的保护。根据平等原则以及儿童利益最大化原则的要求,加强未成年男性性权益的保护具有必要性。为实现对未成年男性性权益的周延保护,首先,应将身心健康作为被性侵未成年男性的首要法益;其次,应扩充负有照护职责人员性侵罪的犯罪对象,将男性也纳入本罪保护范围,并将年龄保护区间扩大至14周岁到18周岁;再次,还需增设负有照护职责人员猥亵罪,以完善对未成年男性的保护;最后,应强化未成年男性保护行政、刑事衔接,凝聚法治保护合力。

失败的刑事司法?--性侵犯罪警察侦查比较研究

负责性侵犯罪案件立案、侦查工作的警察,在性侵犯罪实际案发数、犯罪嫌疑人与被害人关系以及被害人报假案等问题上容易出现认知错误,导致其在案件处置过程中倾向于怀疑报案的被害人、不积极侦查或者采取错误的侦查措施。最终结果是性侵犯罪案件在刑事司法系统中的不当耗损情况严重,被害人遭遇二次伤害,刑事司法正义价值的实现大打折扣。警察部门应当构建以被害人为中心的立案、侦查模式,细化工作规则,有效开展犯罪侦查,切实保护性侵犯罪被害人获得刑事司法救济的权利。

两栖攻击舰编队海上航渡对潜防御队形优化配置研究

针对两栖攻击舰编队对潜防御时的队形配置问题,从潜艇对编队的威胁分析入手,建立了潜艇鱼雷极限射距圆模型,通过模型分析与仿真计算,得出了两栖攻击舰应配置在威胁圆圆心稍后位置的结论,并给出了优化位置计算模型;结合潜艇威胁范围与威胁距离模型及警戒舰艇对潜防御范围模型,给出了护航兵力优化配置方法,为两栖攻击舰编队海上航渡时的对潜防御提供了参考。