Characterization of Rape Victims, Events and the Quality of Post-Rape Care in Public Health Facilities in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Review of records of rapes managed in the emergency rooms and out-patient departments of hospitals can be used to obtain information on characteristics surrounding the events of rape. The objective of the study was to identify characteristics of rape victims and circumstances surrounding the rape event and determine the quality of post-rape care.
Methods: This was a retrospective review of medical records of all rape victims from June 2015 to May 2016 in three government-owned health facilities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The records register for patients seen in the Emergency Units and Out-patient Department were assessed to obtain information on victim characteristics, circumstances surrounding the rape event and post-rape management.
Results: Records of 326 of rape victims were obtained from the three facilities for the period under review. One hundred and seventy-seven (54.3%) respondents were between age group 10 to 19 years with a median age (range) of 13.0 (2 to 33) years. All the respondents were females. The rape events had the following characteristics: occurred more frequently during the day, were more frequently perpetuated by an acquaintance and occurred mostly in the home of the assailant. The quality of post-rape care offered to rape victims was inadequate due to absence of forensic testing, non-referral for psychological counselling and poor documentation.
Conclusion: Quality of post-rape care can be improved by regular training for health workers in public health facilities in Edo State.

Keywords: Rape; Record Review; Post-Rape Care; Benin City, Nigeria