日本性感染症学会誌 Journal of Japanese Society for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Case 1 was a 10-year-old girl who was suspected of being sexually abused by her father, but the victim disclosure from a judicial interview was not clear. Although no injury was observed on her hymen, the detection of a gonococcal infection resulted in protection of the victim and the initiation of criminal justice procedures.

Case 2 was a 13-year-old girl experiencing sexual violence from a man she met through a social networking service. Two months later, transection of the hymen and chlamydia infection of the pharynx and cervix were observed. Criminal proceedings were started.

Awareness of sexual violence against girls, including child sexual abuse, can be difficult, especially as the abused often find it difficult to disclose because of threats from the perpetrator. As it can be difficult to keep forensic specimens as evidence in the acute phase after victimization in cases of child sexual abuse and sexual violence, it is more difficult to prosecute perpetrators or to even prove the violence in a criminal trial.

However, if consultation is reached after the abuse or violence, it may be possible to prove the victimization if there is a sexually transmitted infection as evidence.