Care of women and girls after sexual assault in Geneva: A descriptive study between 2005 and 2014

Background and purpose: We aimed to examine epidemiological data and identify risk factors for sexual assault. This study included women seeking care at the Geneva University Hospitals emergency obstetrics and gynaecological unit. Method: Retrospective, sociodemographic, and clinical data were collected from the medical reports. Results: We reviewed 836 medical charts and registered 92.8 women and girls per year who consulted the emergency department after sexual assault. The average age was 26 (±12) years, with a median of 23 years. Body lesions were reported in 525 patients (63%) and genital traumatic lesions were reported in 230 (28%) patients. Sexual assault by a stranger was reported in 436 cases (52%). Thirty percent of patients knew their aggressor. Aggressions were predominantly committed on the weekend, accounting for 367 cases (46%), with nearly two-thirds (65%, n = 474) occurring between 10 pm and 6 am. In total, 399 (48%) patients who were sexually assaulted reported having consumed alcohol and 102 (12%) reported having taken drugs prior to the aggression; 80 (10%) patients had consumed both and 286 (34%) had amnesia. Half of the sample sought and received medical care within 24 h from the time the aggression took place. Conclusion: Sexual assault risk factors in our study population in Geneva included use of drugs and alcohol, with amnesia. Future prevention and education interventions should target these areas.