Description

ABSTRACT

Background: The infringement on the rights of the child is referred to as child sexual abuse or assault. Apart from the physical scars, there are associated psychological consequences on the victim. It is an important social problem with paucity of local scientific data. Aim: This case report is aimed at evaluating the characteristics of this victim of child sexual abuse who presented at the emergency unit of a private hospital and to suggest solutions on how to curb this social problem. Case: She was miss OT a 4-year old nursery 3 pupil accompanied by her mother who presented at the Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology units of First Rivers Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria with complaint of rape by a 14-year old boy. She was managed accordingly and the necessary medico-legal protocols taken. Conclusion: Child sexual abuse is not uncommon in our environment based on the information gotten from the media space on a daily basis. Multidisciplinary management approach should be instituted for the abused involving the clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatricians, gynecologist and other professionals. The law should be allowed to run its full course as the victims go through a lot, with psychological scars taking a long time to heal.

 Keywords: Sexual assault, Girl, Child, Minor