TITLE:
Characteristics and Clinical Management of Female Complainants of Alleged Sexual Assault in Northern Benin in 2023: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Sidi Imorou Rachidi, Vodouhe Mahoublo Vinadou, Atadé Sèdjro Raoul, Obossou Aafoukou Awade Achille, Klikpézo Roger, Hounkponou Ahouignan Fanny, Salifou Kabibou, Dénakpo Justin Lewis
KEYWORDS:
Sexual Violence, Alleged Sexual Assault, Complainants, Adolescents, Forensic Medicine, Gender-Based Violence, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Sexual violence is a major public health and human rights concern with substantial physical, psychological, and reproductive health consequences. In sub-Saharan Africa, hospital-based data describing individuals presenting with complaints of alleged sexual violence remain limited, particularly in West Africa. Such data are essential for improving clinical care, forensic practice, and health policy. Objective: This study sought to describe the characteristics of female complainants of alleged sexual assault, the circumstances of the alleged assaults, and their clinical management at the Prefectural University Teaching Hospital of Borgou (CHUD-B), Benin. Methods: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 January and 31 August 2023 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Integrated Care Center for Victims of Gender-Based Violence of the CHUD-B in northern Benin. All girls and women presenting with a complaint of alleged sexual assault during the study period were consecutively included. Data on sociodemographic characteristics of complainants, alleged perpetrators, assault circumstances, clinical findings, care, and self-esteem were collected using a standardized questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Results: Among 846 women attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 102 presented with a complaint of alleged sexual assault, corresponding to a hospital-based frequency of 12.1%. The mean age of complainants was 14.6 ± 3.6 years, and adolescents aged 15 - 20 years accounted for 56.9% of cases. Most alleged perpetrators were known to the complainants, particularly intimate partners (48.0%) and neighbors (21.6%). Vaginal penetration was reported in 93.1% of complaints, and penile penetration in 90.5% of penetration cases. More than two-thirds of complainants (67.9%) presented more than 72 hours after the alleged assault, while 99.0% reported intimate washing before hospital presentation. Pregnancy was diagnosed in 15.7% of participants. Emergency contraception and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis were prescribed to 6.9% and 2.9% of participants, respectively. According to the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, 57, 2% of participants had high self-esteem. Conclusion: Strengthening timely access to comprehensive multidisciplinary care and improving coordination between healthcare, forensic, and judicial services are essential to enhance the management of alleged sexual assault in Benin.