Epidemiology and management of sexual assault victims.

One hundred and twenty-six sexual assault victims were examined and treated at the Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island from July 1 1976, through June 30, 1977. Sixty-six were less than 18 years of age, and of this group, 54 were less than 16 years of age, and 26 of these were prepubertal. Evidentiary examination was performed on 100 victims. No pregnancies resulted, and no victim acquired syphilis from the assault. Five patients had positive cultures for gonorrhea at the time of initial examination and all were cured by therapy. Epidemiologic correlates of sexual assault are discussed.