Evaluation of social and demographic characteristics of incest cases in a university hospital in Turkey

Evaluation of social and demographic characteristics of incest cases in a university hospital in Turkey

Material and Methods: Subjects for this study were recruited from a sample of incest cases referred to Forensic Medicine Department of Gaziosmanpasa University Medical Faculty Hospital between 2008 and 2012. Data involved social and demographic characteristics and clinical features of victims, perpetrators and the families. The ethical committee of the faculty of medicine approved the study.

Results: The study sample consisted of 43 incest cases (36 females and 7 males) with an age rage 4–40 years. Two third of the victims were under 18 years old. All perpetrators were males. Father – daughter incest (34.9%) was found to be most common incest type followed by brother – sister incest (14%). 75% of the perpetrators were family members and relatives with consanguinity while 25% of them were not consanguineous but faithful and intimate relatives to victims.

Conclusions: Increasing awareness about incest and its damaging effects is so important and clinicians should keep in mind sexual abuse or incest when examining the risky population. Multidisciplinary approach is necessary for determining short term or long term results and preventing the negative consequences of incest.

General Medicine

Crime Victims, Incest, Child Abuse, Sexual