INCEST IN TURKEY: THE EXAMPLE OF AN ADOLESCENCE CENTER

Abstract

Background Child sexual abuse, especially incest may reveal more serious consequences in terms of young victims, the relationship’s context between abuser and victim, and the presence of the risk associated with sexual activity. In this context, the aim of this study was to provide awareness and perspective for healthcare professionals on the subject by publishing our experiences on incest, which is a difficult and sensitive subject. Methods This study was carried out retrospectively and descriptively based upon medico-legal records of girl children under the age of 18 evaluated in an Adolescence Center between the years of 2004-12. Results Intrafamilial abuse was 23 of 139 victims of child sexual abuse during this period of time. The gender of the victims female only, and the age of victims was between 2-18 ages, and 10 of 23 presented with various gynecological complaints. The abuse of 56.52 % of the cases was detected by gynecologists. Also, 34.7 % of them were pregnant. The long term consequences of incest were determined ASD, PTSD, social isolation, ADHD and substance abuse. Conclusion The decision as to whether the child is a victim of incest or not is difficult and has serious implications. In cases with delayed notification, changes or loss in evidence may lead to confusion in medico-legal evaluation, which makes social and legal management harder, thus causing a delay in the protection of victims from abuse. At this stage, early diagnosis of abuse becomes very important in line with the best interests of the child.