Sexual Assault, Pregnancy and HIV Infection among Young Girls in the Transkei Region of South Africa. Case Reports

Authors

  • B Meel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17714

Keywords:

Teenage pregnancies, sexual assault, Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV), rape, child abuse

Abstract

Background: Rape continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing South Africa, alongside
poverty & joblessness that the government is trying hard to eradicate. Transkei region of the Eastern
Cape can best be described as deeply rural with bad roads, unclean water supply, limited electricity, few
telephone connections, very limited access to transport and health services. Violence including sexual
assaults is a common problem in this region.
Objective: To highlight the problem of sexual assault, pregnancy, and HIV infection among young
girls in Transkei region of South Africa.
Case History: This is a retrospective case report from the register of sexual assault at Sinawe Center
of Mthatha General Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa.These are reports of two young girls who were
repeatedly raped. Histories and findings of the physical examinations are described. Consequences of
teenage pregnancies and HIV transmission are discussed. The issue of consent and teenagers’ partners’
responsibility is highlighted. Solutions to reduce re-victimisation are suggested.
Conclusion: There is problem of sexual assaults, pregnancy, and HIV infection among young girls
in the Transkei region of South Africa. There is a need to control this epidemic of sexual assaults to
prevent HIV spread, and to prevent unwanted pregnancies

Author Biography

  • B Meel

    Professor MBBS, MD, DOH (Wits), DHSM (Natal), MPhil HIV/AIDS Management (Stellenbosch), Research
    Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6017 South Africa

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Published

2021-11-29

How to Cite

Sexual Assault, Pregnancy and HIV Infection among Young Girls in the Transkei Region of South Africa. Case Reports. (2021). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 16(1), 1503-1506. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v16i1.17714