A Retrospective Study of Alleged Rape Victims at Forensic Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Sexual assault against women is one of the most common crimes in Bangladesh. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the medico-legal findings of rape victims and to analyze the data concerning socio-demographic characteristics, the relationship between accused and victim, medico-legal examination and evaluate the role of forensic examination in dealing with sexual assault cases. Methodology: This was a retrospective study done in the department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from 1^st January 2018 to 31st December 2018 with maintaining ethical issues. The data was retrieved from police forwarding letter; history revealed by the victim during an examination, medico-legal certificates, and results of forensic laboratory examination of the exhibits. Results: We carried out a retrospective study of 404 alleged rape victims in 2018. We found that 51.9% of cases were sexually abused although a high vaginal swab for spermatozoa was found to be negative in all cases. In this study, the majority (47%) of the victims were 14-17 years of age and 59% of the victims were unmarried. 43.3% of the victims were students and 44.5% were known to the victims. Conclusion: Through investigation, medico-legal findings of rape victims were identified and verified to inquire and match with the accuser correctly. Forensic examination aided the police in correctly solving such cases.