ABSTRACT

It is important to be evaluated cases of sexual assault and sexual abuse in terms of sexually transmitted diseases along with physical and psychological trauma. In these cases, the examination is usually limited to the detection of trauma findings and the taking of samples for the identification of the assailant. There are a large number of sexually transmitted diseases such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Hepatitis B virus, Human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis; nevertheless, there are no standardized guidelines for screening tests and prophylaxis practices for these agents in our country. Therefore, the risk of transmission should be taken into consideration in all cases and assessment should be made in terms of treatment and prophylaxis practices if necessary. Also, in cases that the assailants can be determined, these people’s tests and examinations should be performed for both determination of the victim’s need for medical care for sexually transmitted diseases and the assailants’ trial process and also establishing the casual relation. In this review, it was aimed to draw attention to the evaluation of sexually transmitted diseases which can be seen in victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse and also the examination of the assailants in the light of the literature by the view of medico-legal aspect.

Keywords: Forensic Medicine, Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse, Sexually Transmitted Diseases