Médecine et santé tropicales
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Sexual violence is widespread in the world and has a negative impact on women's mental, social, and physical well-being. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the occurrence of sexual violence among patients seen in the Gynecology-Obstetrics department at Ignace Deen National Hospital. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study of victims of sexual violence seen in the department, directly or on court orders, during the two-year period from May 1, 2016, to April 30, 2018. ⋯ Overall, 58.6% had previously had their hymen broken, and 34.3 very recently, while the hymen was intact in 7.1% of cases. The frequency of sexual violence is underestimated in our society. Its prevention involves its punishment, adequate medical care of victims, and improvement of the status of women.