Sexual abuse of children in Kingston & St. Andrew, Jamaica

ABSTRACT

A descriptive study of 29 cases of alleged sexual abuse involving 33 children (in 4 cases one adult abused two children) observed at the Community Health Centre, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, U.W.I. Mona, Jamaica, and the Family Court, Jamaica, is reported. A similar incidence was found when compared with studies conducted elsewhere and females were abused more than males. Children of all ages were affected and fell mainly into one of two groups, 3 to 6 years old and 11 to 13 years old. Clinical manifestations included hymenal rupture, vaginal bruising, pregnancy, vaginal discharge and sexually transmitted diseases. A belief in the child's version of the incident, a careful detailed social inquiry, a medical and gynaecological examination and laboratory studies are needed to substantiate the allegation of sexual abuse. (AU)