Features of pediatric sexual assault cases compared to adult cases seen in Goma, eastern DRC.

<p>*In eastern DRC, the presence of multiple armed groups without central leadership, deserters known as “inciviques <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0015911#pone.0015911-Alberti1" target="_blank">[11]</a>,” widely available military uniforms in the post-war period, and the possibility that civilians may wear military uniforms leaves open the possibility that patients' description of uniformed assailant may not always be military personnel.</p

Characteristics of sexual assault according to patient age.

<p><b>A</b>.The largest number of cases in our retrospective sample from a single centre between 2006 and 2009 was in the age group 10–18 years. <b>B</b>. The proportion of cases allegedly perpetrated by military personnel was significantly higher in adult compared to pediatric rape victims (p<0.001). <b>C</b>. Delayed (>72hours) presentation was more common in youth aged 10–18 years than adults and younger children. <b>D</b>. Genital injury was more commonly observed on physical examination at presentation in youth aged 10–18 years than adults and younger children.</p