Observational study of victims of alleged sexual assault in central Mumbai region

According to recent, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013, age of consent in India has been increased from 16 to 18 years. Implications of the amendments made, are vastly reflected in data collected in our study. Aim of the study was to evaluate data in relation to incidences of alleged sexually abused victims and to contemplate their socio demographic profile with history and examination and also to assess the effect of increase in age of consent for sexual intercourse. This study was conducted on 58 cases of alleged sexual assault brought to Seth G.S. Medical College, K.E.M. Hospital, Mumbai, from September 2013 to February 2015. Out of 58 victims of alleged sexual assault, the most affected age group was 10-19 years i.e. 34 cases (58.62 %), while 18 cases (31.03%) were in the age group of 16-18 years. The highest number of victims 18 (31.03 %) were brought for examination more than three weeks after incident resulting in loss of vital trace evidences. 58.62% of victims knew the assailant. In consensual relationships, breach of trust resulted in complaint of sexual assault, thus crime was registered under Section 375 IPC. Our study critically analyzes entailments of Criminal law amendment act, 2013; in relation to the data collected. Reductions in age of consent, in order to protect rights of young persons aged 16-18 years to engage in consensual sexual activity should be deliberated.