An Analysis of Intra-familial and Extra-familial Child Sexual Abuse Cases at a Child Monitoring Centre: Clinical and Forensic Insights

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7546/CRABS.2025.01.18

Keywords:

child sexual abuse, intra-familial abuse, incest, child molestation, domestic violence, forensic medicine, child monitoring centre

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious human rights violation that affects hundreds of millions of children globally. This study aims to elucidate the fundamental dynamics in the reporting and diagnostic processes of intra-familial and extra-familial CSA cases in Turkey, as examined within the forensic medical system. The research is based on case files (n = 1421) from the Child Monitoring Centre (CMC) in Antalya, Turkey. The study identified 149 cases (10.5%) of intra-familial abuse and 1272 cases (89.5%) of extra-familial abuse. In the intra-familial group, the perpetrator was often the father, stepfather, or mother's boyfriend, whereas in the extra-familial group, the perpetrator was frequently a friend or boyfriend. Pregnancy was identified in 12.1% of intra-familial and 15.1% of extra-familial cases. Psychiatric disorders were diagnosed in 32.1% of the intra-familial group. The findings underscore the necessity for strengthened multidisciplinary centres, thorough evaluations, and follow-ups of all CSA cases, alongside mandatory psychiatric assessments to facilitate early detection and intervention.

Author Biographies

Fatmagül Aslan, Health Sciences University, Turkey

Mailing Address:
Health Sciences University,
Antalya Training and Research Hospital,
Clinic of Forensic Medicine,
Antalya, Türkiye, PC: 07100

E-mail: drfatmagulaslan@yahoo.com

Hacer Yaşar Teke, Ordu University, Turkey

Mailing Address:
Ordu University, School of Medicine,
Department of Forensic Medicine,
İstanbul, Türkiye, PC: 52100

E-mail: hacer.hgulderen2004@gmail.com

Işıl Pakiş, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Turkey

Mailing Address:
Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University,
School of Medicine,
Department of Forensic Medicine,
İstanbul, Türkiye, PC: 34100

E-mail: isilpakis@yahoo.com

Zehra Zerrin Erkol, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey

Mailing Address:
Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University,
Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Forensic Medicine,
Bolu, Türkiye, PC: 14100

E-mail: zerrinerkol@gmail.com

Cemyigit Deveci, Council of Forensic Medicine, Turkey

Mailing Address:
Council of Forensic Medicine,
Antalya Group Administration,
Antalya, Türkiye, PC: 07100

E-mail: cemyigit.deveci@gmail.com

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Published

29-01-2025

How to Cite

[1]
F. Aslan, H. Teke, I. Pakiş, Z. Erkol, and C. Deveci, “An Analysis of Intra-familial and Extra-familial Child Sexual Abuse Cases at a Child Monitoring Centre: Clinical and Forensic Insights”, C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci., vol. 78, no. 1, pp. 149–156, Jan. 2025.

Issue

Section

Medicine