The occurrence, socio-demographic characteristics, circumstances, and forensic evaluation outcomes of child sexual asssault in a selected province, in Mozambique

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the occurrence, socio-demographic characteristics, circumstances, and forensic evaluation outcomes of child sexual assault in Maputo City and Province, Mozambique. A quantitative, descriptive design was adopted. Data were drawn from medico-legal records of suspected victims who presented at Hospital Central de Maputo Forensic Service between 2015 and 2020. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Of the 2588 cases analysed, the majority were girls in the 12–17-year age group. Assaults occurred predominantly in public spaces during weekdays in the afternoon and evening, perpetrated by one individual known to the child and without condom use. More than half of the victims reported accompanying physical violence, with very few victims presenting with physical or genital injuries. Most of the victims presented within 72 hours for medical assistance and medico-legal evaluation. The current study contributes to knowledge on CSA in Mozambique, as well as Sub-Sahara more generally