A Study on the Pattern of Injuries in Survivors Under the POCSO Act and the “Myth” of Delayed Reporting at a Tertiary Care Center in Northeastern India

Sexual violence against children is a serious violation of their rights and remains a global concern, particularly in India, with its large child population. This study aimed to assess physical and genital injuries, evaluate psychological status, and analyze the interval between injury and medicolegal examination. This hospital-based, analytical, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted for a period of 6 months (February 1, 2019–July 31, 2019) among survivors reporting under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act to the Department of Forensic Medicine at a tertiary care center. Of the 68 reported survivors, 49 were included after obtaining informed consent from the survivors/legal guardians. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was secured. The data was entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21. Psychological assessment was done using a serial mental state examination. In this study, females comprised 97.96% ( n = 48), with the highest proportion belonging to the age group of 15–18 years (45.83%, n = 22). Old hymenal tears (43.75%) predominated at the 6 o’clock position. Vulvovaginal injuries were most common in the 6–9 years age group, while posterior fourchette injuries were most common in the 3–6 and 12–15 years age groups. Scratch abrasion ( n = 9) was the most frequent physical injury. Anxiety and anxiety with depression were the highest in the age groups of 3–6 years and 9–12 years, respectively. Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression were highest among 12–15-year-olds and 15–18-year-olds, respectively. Additionally, 42.85% ( n = 21) reported in the first 24 hours of the occurrence of the crime. The parameters assessed by this study aimed to meaningfully contribute toward creating a safer and more protective environment for the children.