A Risk Factor for Sexual Assault: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background and Objective: Sexual assault is traumatic at the time it occurs, but it also may have long lasting negative effects on physical health. Interventions to prevent this violent crime against women are a major public health concern. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors of sexual assault in among people in the Northeastern Thailand.

Method: Data were collected from forensic laboratory, department of Forensic Meidicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand between 2007-2011.

Results: Most of the assaults were women. 90.0% victim cases were single. Identity of the assailant was known and unknown 70.0%, and 22.0% cases, respectively. Many of the assaults occurred between 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM (57.0%).

Conclusions: Concerted effort is required to curb the rising trend of reported sexual assault. Interventions aimed at creating public awareness of the possible risk factors may reduce the incidence of this detestable event in the community.