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Overlooked and overexposed: a comparison of pregnancy outcomes in incestuous and non-incestuous sexual violence #MMPMID41366361
Ozkok A; Simsek U; Tas Torun Y
BMC Public Health 2025[Dec]; 25 (1): 4239 PMID41366361show ga
BACKGROUND: One of the gravest consequences of sexual violence is pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the risk groups of sexual violence-related pregnancies and investigate the influence of intra- and extrafamilial sexual violence's different dynamics on pregnancies. METHODS: This study used a sample of 986 sexual violence cases and particularly 18 pregnancies resulting from these between 2013 and 2022 in Eskisehir, Turkiye. After categorizing the cases into two groups as incestuous or non-incestuous, descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses were retrospectively employed across multiple parameters, including age groups, victim and perpetrator characteristics, assault features, and pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS: The incestuous group (n = 97) exhibited higher rates of child victimization (p < 0.001) and a greater likelihood of pregnancy within the sample of reported sexual violence cases (14 times higher than the non-incestuous group, n = 889, p < 0.001). Compared to the non-incestuous pregnancy cohort (n = 7), incestuous pregnancy cohort (n = 11) displayed earlier onset (p = 0.009), longer duration (p = 0.002), and greater chronic exposure to physical violence (p = 0.038). Regardless of incest, minors and young adults with intellectual disabilities were particularly vulnerable to pregnancy from sexual violence. Pregnancies were often detected beyond the national on-request abortion limit (10 weeks vs. 15.3 weeks average). Family members reported incestuous pregnancies less frequently; instead, teachers and physicians were key reporters. Findings suggested a more prevalent tendency in the study sample to conceal incestuous pregnancies in smaller settlements, as compared to cities. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested a heightened likelihood of pregnancy among vulnerable populations exposed to sexual violence, particularly in incestuous cases where the abuse follows prolonged and concealed patterns. RECOMMENDATIONS: Legal frameworks should prioritize the physical and psychological well-being of sexual violence victims and ensure timely access for vulnerable populations to reproductive healthcare, including abortion services, as well as comprehensive medical, psychosocial, and long-term support. Targeted prevention strategies, public awareness campaigns, and educational programs should be implemented to highlight the unique vulnerabilities of incest victims, particularly children and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Such policy initiatives must consider the distinct characteristics and risk factors of incestuous and non-incestuous sexual violence.
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BMC+Public+Health 2025 ; 25 (1): 4239
