Type and frequency of injuries documented for children managed with a history of sexual assault in the emergency departments

<p dir="ltr">Paediatric sexual assault is an increasing social problem. It is estimated that globally, every year, one out of five girls and one out of 13 boys are sexually assaulted. Worldwide, 150 million female children and 73 million male children younger than the age of 18 years are victims of sexual assault, and more than one billion children suffer some form of violence each year around the world. The incidence of children sexually assaulted in South Africa is alarming, and the lack of research about the type and frequency of injuries needs to be thoroughly researched and explored. The type and frequency of injuries found in sexual assaults are not well known, especially not for paediatric sexual assaults. The aim of the study was to determine the type and frequency of injuries documented for children with a history of sexual assault managed in emergency departments. A quantitative, descriptive, retrospective design was utilised. Retrospective data collection from documentation in the patient files was done. The total sample size was 91. Retrospective data collection from documentation in the patient files was done.</p>