Comparative Investigations of the Incidence of Sexual Assault in Three Regions of the Republic of Bulgaria During 1997–2006

Abstract

SUMMARY Sexual abuse is considered as a crime against the person all over the world. Despite the age of victims, it could trigger serious physical and psychological consequences, psychoactive substances and drug abuse, reproductive disorders, suicides and even death. The aim of retrospective investigation was to analyze the incidence of sexual assault in the regions of Varna (V), Silistra (S) and Gabrovo (G) in the period 1998-2006. The material used in the study involved the archive records of the Forensic Medicine Wards in the three studied regions. The comparative study employed inquiries and the documental interpretation method. The data of the investigations are filled in questionnaires in Microsoft Excel and compared. In conclusion, we could state that: 1. The female age group, most affected by sexual assault, was that of 14-17 years. 2. Most commonly, the sexual crimes are performed by persons familiar to the victims (50.10%). 3. Among men, the most affected age group was that under 14 years of age.