Evaluation of Cases Involving Female Victims of Physical and Sexual Assault Reporting to the Muğla Forensic Medicine Department

Introduction: gender-based violence is an increasingly common public health concern. objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate cases involving female victims of physical and sexual assault reporting to the muğla forensic medicine department. methods: 218 physical and sexual assault cases involving women over the age of 18 reported to the muğla department of forensic medicine in january - december 2008 were identified retrospectively in march 2010. the data was collected using a form, and analyzed based on frequency. findings: in 2008, of the 218 women who filed complaints at the muğla department of forensic medicine, 84.4% were subjected to physical assault, and 17% to sexual assault. 89.7% of the physical assaults involved forensic-blunt injuries, and 46.2% of the sexual assaults involved rape. it was seen that in 28.4% of assault cases, the perpetrators were not family members. conclusion and recommendations: it was determined that the majority of women reporting assault are victims of physical violence. in society, it is of great importance that women under risk of violence be followed closely by nurses.