title: Sexual violence cases in a hospital setting in Hong Kong: victims' demographic, event characteristics, and management.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rainlily, the first one-stop crisis centre in Hong Kong, was set up in 2000 to protect female victims of sexual violence. This study aimed to analyse the characteristics of sexual assault cases and victims who presented to two hospitals in Hong Kong. The data are invaluable for health care professionals and policymakers to improve service provision to these victims.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective analysis of hospital records was conducted in two acute hospitals under the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong. Sexual assault victims who attended the two hospitals between May 2010 and April 2013 were included. Characteristics of the cases and the victims, the use of alcohol and drugs, involvement of violence, and the outcome of the victims were studied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During the study period, 154 sexual assault victims attended either one of the two hospitals. Their age ranged from 13 to 64 years. The time from assault to presentation ranged from 1 hour to more than 5 months. Approximately 50% of the assailants were strangers. Approximately 50% of victims presented with symptoms; the most common were pelvic and genitourinary symptoms. Those with symptoms (except pregnancy) presented earlier than those without. The use of alcohol and drugs was involved in 36.4% and 11.7% of cases, respectively. Approximately 10% of the screened victims were positive for Chlamydia trachomatis. There were 11 pregnancies with gestational age ranged from 6 weeks to 5 months at presentation. Less than half of the victims completed follow-up care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Involvement of alcohol and drugs is not uncommon in sexual assault cases. Efforts should be made to promote public education, enhance coordination between medical and social services, and improve the accessibility and availability of clinical care. Earlier management and better compliance with follow-up can minimise the health consequences and impact on victims.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
authors: W K
authors: WK
authors: Chiu
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
authors: W C
authors: WC
authors: Lam
authors: Department of Accident and Emergency, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors: N H
authors: NH
authors: Chu
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
authors: C Km
authors: CK
authors: Mok
authors: Department of Accident and Emergency, Kwong Wah Hospital, Yaumatei, Hong Kong.
authors: W K
authors: WK
authors: Tung
authors: Department of Accident and Emergency, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
authors: F Yl
authors: FY
authors: Leung
authors: Department of Accident and Emergency, United Christian Hospital, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong.
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Ting
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D044363:Contraception, Postcoital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Alcoholism; Crime victims; Pregnancy; Sex offenses; Substance-related disorders