BACKGROUND

Cutaneous findings are the most common manifestations of abuse. Hence, a thorough dermatologic evaluation is crucial to rule out the possibility of injuries - accidental or intentional. Underreporting and incomplete documentation were also identified research gaps. The objectives of this study are to establish a baseline database, describe trends in the WCPU and ER medicolegal cases, and identify relationships among demographics, cutaneous findings, and injuries.

METHODOLOGY

This is a case-control study conducted in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines. Medico-legal records from the emergency room and WCPU during 2019-2023 were retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 2,611 WCPU Cases and 9511 ER Cases. Only 2,663 ER Cases (28%) have complete findings. The majority of the physically abused patients in the ER and WCPU perpetrators were adult males. Most WCPU patients were minor females. Only 25% of the WCPU cases were reported within three days. The majority of sexual perpetrators are not strangers to their victims. A significant fraction of sexual abuse is also incestuous. Several significant cutaneous findings suggestive of physical abuse were observed in this study. Intuitively, Gunshot wounds and stab wounds were associated with intentional injuries. Contusion and hematoma were more likely seen in cases of assaults involving accessible areas during altercations – the cheek, eye, eyelid, and nose. Injuries over protected body sites such as the chest and neck also warrant suspicion of intentional injuries. The abdomen, back, and chest were sites of predilection for both GSW and stab wounds.

CONCLUSION

It should be second nature for all physicians to identify dermatologic and demographic cues to rule out possible cases of abuse.

Human ; Physical Abuse ; Rape ; Dermatology