Forensic psychiatric evaluation of sexual violence victims in eastern Türkiye*

Abstract Background Sexual violence remains a significant social issue that affects people from all walks of life. This study aimed to determine the sociodemographic data and after follow-up psychiatric examination of sexual violence victims evaluated by the board of doctors from different branches. Results The data of 356 sexual violence victims evaluated by the board were analyzed retrospectively. It was determined that the victims were 82.6% (294/356) females, and all the perpetrators were men. The median age of male victims was significantly younger than that of female victims. The most common type of sexual violence that the victims claimed was penetration with 50.3%. It was determined that male victims were exposed to sexual violence more frequently by more than one assailant and female victims by acquaintances. Psychiatric diagnosis was detected in 28.4% of the victims after follow-up. While the rates of psychiatric diagnosis after the follow-up of those exposed to sexual violence by family members were significantly higher, the rates of psychiatric diagnosis were lower in those exposed to tactile sexual violence. Conclusions It was concluded that in addition to the genito-anal examination, victims should be monitored for psychiatric pathology.