Profile of sexually abused male children in the women and child protection unit of a tertiary hospital in southern Philippines from 2003-2021

Background: Sexual abuse and violence remains a problem. It affects both the victim and the perpetrator, as well as their families and communities. Reported victims commonly involved the female children. Males as victims of such violence is underestimated. It should be addressed through a public health preventative strategy. This study provided a background of sexually abused male children admitted or evaluated in a tertiary government hospital in the Southern part of the Philippine archipelago. Objectives: To describe the profile of sexually abused male children seen at Southern Philippines Medical Center, Women and Child Protection Unit (WCPU) from 2003-2021. Method: This is a descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study that utilized medical records of abused male children admitted at the Women and Child Protection Unit from 2003 to 2021. Conclusion: Sexual abuse in male children is still a challenge not just in our country but also globally. The incidence is increasing involving mostly in their adolescent years. Socioeconomic status is still a risk factor. Majority of the perpetrator is known to the victims and these incidences happened in their community. The findings of this study provided important information that can be used to develop interventions in preventing sexual abuse and to provide appropriate support for male victims of sexual abuse.