Differences in patterns of sexual assault among female victims preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic
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Differences in patterns of sexual assault among female victims preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic. / Klasen, Caroline M; Teltrop, Leandra; Belau, Matthias H; Lohner, Larissa; Ondruschka, Benjamin; Riecke, Kerstin; Reuter, Susanne; Schmalfeldt, Barbara; Wilmes, Sandra; Witzel, Isabell.
In: FORENSIC SCI MED PAT, Vol. 20, No. 2, 06.2024, p. 595-602.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Differences in patterns of sexual assault among female victims preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic
AU - Klasen, Caroline M
AU - Teltrop, Leandra
AU - Belau, Matthias H
AU - Lohner, Larissa
AU - Ondruschka, Benjamin
AU - Riecke, Kerstin
AU - Reuter, Susanne
AU - Schmalfeldt, Barbara
AU - Wilmes, Sandra
AU - Witzel, Isabell
N1 - © 2023. The Author(s).
PY - 2024/6
Y1 - 2024/6
N2 - The aim of this study was to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the number and patterns of sexual assault victims within a German metropolitan city. A retrospective single center analysis of the gynecology examination reports of all women presenting to the emergency department of a university hospital after a sexual offense between 03/2013 and 02/2021 (n = 1167). Comparison of the first year of the pandemic 03/2000-03/2021) to previous years (03/2017-02/2020) and comparison of periods of government-imposed social distancing (03/12/2020-05/23/2020 and 10/23/2020-02/28/2021) with corresponding periods of pre-pandemic years. The overall number of sexual assault cases did not change during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the stay-at-home orders, the number of women presenting to the emergency department decreased by 38% (n=45 vs. 72). Fewer victims filed a police report during the pandemic (49.5% vs. 73.9%, p<0.001) and the lockdown period (50% vs. 76.5%, p<0.001). Less genital injuries after sexual assault were detected during the pandemic (14.3% vs. 25.2%, p<0.02), but there was an increase of illegal substance abuse (19.5% vs. 9.3%, p<0.003). During the stay-at-home orders fewer victims reported alcohol consumption (42.4% vs. 62.5 %, p<0.023). Despite the decrease in sexual offense related police reports, the number of sexual assault cases remained consistent, and the usage of illegal drugs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings represent the importance of providing support to sexual assault victims, as well as the implementation of preventative measures, especially in times of crisis.
AB - The aim of this study was to evaluate how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the number and patterns of sexual assault victims within a German metropolitan city. A retrospective single center analysis of the gynecology examination reports of all women presenting to the emergency department of a university hospital after a sexual offense between 03/2013 and 02/2021 (n = 1167). Comparison of the first year of the pandemic 03/2000-03/2021) to previous years (03/2017-02/2020) and comparison of periods of government-imposed social distancing (03/12/2020-05/23/2020 and 10/23/2020-02/28/2021) with corresponding periods of pre-pandemic years. The overall number of sexual assault cases did not change during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the stay-at-home orders, the number of women presenting to the emergency department decreased by 38% (n=45 vs. 72). Fewer victims filed a police report during the pandemic (49.5% vs. 73.9%, p<0.001) and the lockdown period (50% vs. 76.5%, p<0.001). Less genital injuries after sexual assault were detected during the pandemic (14.3% vs. 25.2%, p<0.02), but there was an increase of illegal substance abuse (19.5% vs. 9.3%, p<0.003). During the stay-at-home orders fewer victims reported alcohol consumption (42.4% vs. 62.5 %, p<0.023). Despite the decrease in sexual offense related police reports, the number of sexual assault cases remained consistent, and the usage of illegal drugs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings represent the importance of providing support to sexual assault victims, as well as the implementation of preventative measures, especially in times of crisis.
KW - Adolescent
KW - Adult
KW - COVID-19/epidemiology
KW - Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
KW - Crime Victims/statistics & numerical data
KW - Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data
KW - Female
KW - Germany/epidemiology
KW - Humans
KW - Middle Aged
KW - Pandemics
KW - Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
KW - Retrospective Studies
KW - SARS-CoV-2
KW - Sex Offenses/statistics & numerical data
KW - Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology
KW - Young Adult
U2 - 10.1007/s12024-023-00725-z
DO - 10.1007/s12024-023-00725-z
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
C2 - 37816930
VL - 20
SP - 595
EP - 602
JO - FORENSIC SCI MED PAT
JF - FORENSIC SCI MED PAT
SN - 1547-769X
IS - 2
ER -
