ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of psychological and social problems faced by female victims after rape and additionally the impact of also being a victim of childhood sexual abuse in Turkey, where opportunity of getting medical and psychological support for sexual assault for victims is limited and legal process lasts for years.

Participants consisted of 93 female rape victims who were examined by the Second Specialization Board of The Council of Forensic Medicine. An interview form, which is developed in order to investigate sociodemographic features, assault charactersitics, psychological and social problems of victim, Post Traumatic Diagnostic Scale (PTDS) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were applied for the investigation.

Of victims 61.3 % were diagnosed with post traumatic stres disorder (PTSD) and 54.8% of victims had sexual dysfunctions secondary the sexual assault. Out of victims 68.8 % reported that they were exposed to negative social reactions. Out of victims 70.3% who were exposed to negative social reactions met diagnostic criteria for PTSD while only 41.4% of people who were not exposed to negative social reactions met diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Difference between groups was analyzed with chi squre method and there is significant difference between them (X2:7.04, df:1, p<0.01). Self-mutilation and suicide attempts were high in victims of adult rape who were also sexually abused in childhood.

Considering time interval between the sexual assault and interview, the prevalence of the victims' with PTSD and sexual problems was higher in our study compared to similar studies. Furthermore, the rate of victims diagnosed with PTSD was 58.8%, even among those reported that incident occured more than three years ago. It's suggested that both studying with the victims who has been sent for physical examination and the continuation of judicial process have impact on these results.