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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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。

刑法中幼女规定的体系性思考

刑法仅在强奸罪和引诱幼女卖淫罪中使用“幼女”这一特定措辞,幼女是指不满十四周岁的女性。近年来,理论关于幼女规范体系的不同解读,造成法律条文相矛盾的局面。有赖于基于规范文本的体系化思考,使刑法条文相协调。幼女保护年龄法定区间的划分,既量化了法律后果,也蕴含着相应的法律价值和政策考量。相较于已满十四周岁不满十六周岁的未成年女性,幼女无性同意能力具有绝对性。刑法中的幼女与妇女具有不同的内涵与外延,将妇女解释为包含幼女属于类推解释,可能招致错释一条进而错释一片的严重后果,奸淫被拐卖的幼女应以拐卖儿童罪和强奸罪并罚。废除嫖宿幼女罪与保留引诱幼女卖淫罪并不冲突,卖淫幼女污名化的话语体系应被推翻。

负有照护职责人员性侵罪的法益厘定与出罪路径研究

负有照护职责人员性侵罪并没有提高未成年女性的性同意年龄,该罪的保护法益是未成年女性的性自主决定权。年龄提高论没有合理依据,身心健康说虽有自己的主张,但是也面临着一些解释困境。性自主决定权意味着14至16周岁的女性即使在面对负有照护职责的人员时仍然具有性自主权,只是在面对这些特定人群时自主权的行使受到一定的限制而已。本罪的出台并不意味着所有负有照护职责的人与被照护人发生性行为就一定会被认定为本罪,因为本罪存在着一定的出罪空间。

数字化转型、信息透明度与权益资本成本

本研究基于2009年至2021年中国上市公司数据,实证分析数字化转型对企业权益资本成本的影响。通过实证分析研究发现,企业数字化转型能够显著降低权益资本成本。进一步分析发现,信息透明度在企业数字化转型与权益资本成本之间起部分中介效应。通过研究数字化转型与权益资本成本的作用机制,为企业治理与合理配置资源提供借鉴。

小区内性侵未成年人犯罪防治研究——以S省C市为分析样本

小区是未成年人成长生活的重要场所,小区法治环境的形成对未成年人的健康成长至关重要。通过分析S省C市发生在小区内的性侵未成年人犯罪发现,其案件来源主要为父母报案。在未考虑性侵未成年人案件犯罪黑数的情况下,统计数据反映出的犯罪形势仍然较为严峻。小区内性侵未成年人犯罪因犯罪对象特殊、犯罪发生区域特定,在被害人、作案人、作案地点、作案方式等方面呈现出明显特征。小区内有利于犯罪实施的外部条件和被害人较强的被害性等要素之间相互作用导致了性侵犯罪的发生。情境犯罪预防理论因其对犯罪情境的关注及主动预防的姿态,与小区内性侵未成年人犯罪预防具有较强的契合性。从情境犯罪预防理论视角出发构建该类犯罪防控体系,应主要从增加犯罪难度、提高犯罪风险、减少犯罪刺激三个方面入手。

网络空间中公共场所的刑法意涵——兼论网络直播性侵案件加重情节的适用

传统刑法理论认为,公共场所是指公众的身体可以自由出入的场所,即应当具有现实性或者物理性。但在当前传统犯罪网络异化的背景下,网络空间中的行为同样可以造成实际损害,网络空间秩序亦被包含在了公共秩序中,身体自由进入说的判断标准早已不合时宜。宏观来看,“网络空间”与“公共场所”并非刑法上的专有名词,互联网的迭代升级也不只触及法律领域,因此有必要借助社会学、传播学的视野来帮助我们厘清公共场所的本质属性。同时以性侵案件作为样本分析可知,网络直播性侵行为具有加重处罚的必要性,实践中强奸、猥亵他人并直播的情形,应当认定行为人是在“公共场所当众”实施,从而适用该加重情节。

性自主权的民法保护路径问题研究

性自主权的概念由来已久,是权利人为实现其性利益而在法律保护范围内自我决定的权利,属于人格权的一种,呈现出专属性、可克减性和普遍性特征,主要内容包括选择权、拒绝权和承诺权。侵害性自主权的主要表现形式有性侵害、欺诈型性侵害和性骚扰等。当前,民法典在保护性自主权方面存在缺乏独立性、性骚扰之规定体系违和等问题,其解决路径在于:(一)性自主权独立成权;(二)统一裁判标准,避免同案不同判。

性侵未成年人犯罪治理研究——以S省P县检察院2021—2023年性侵未成年人案件为例

性侵未成年人案件频发,引发舆论高度关注。由于未成年人身心发展的特殊性,性侵未成年人犯罪具有不同于其他犯罪的特征。性侵未成年人案件在司法认定方面存在证据数量少、直接证据无法形成印证、间接证据只能从某个侧面佐证被害人陈述真实性从而导致定罪困难等难题;在社会治理方面存在学校和家庭的性教育缺位、网络性侵难发现、难规制、犯罪源头难掐断、治理漏洞难填补等困境。构建性侵未成年人犯罪治理格局,应加强事前一般性预防;坚持事中“零容忍”处理;强化事后持续性震慑。

负有照护职责人员性侵罪的保护法益及其认定

《刑法修正案(十一)》增设负有照护职责人员性侵罪,以回应社会中滥用照护职责形成的信赖关系来攫取性利益的行为。学界关于该罪保护法益的争鸣观点主要有性自主权说、身心健康说和折中说,性自主权并不能完全涵盖负有照护职责人员性侵罪的保护法益,身心健康说和折中说亦有各自的不足。负有照护职责人员性侵罪的立法源自于应对惩治性侵未成年人行为的实践需要和保护未成年人合法权益的迫切需求,该罪保护的法益是多重的、复杂的,包括性自主权和未成年人身心健康权。