The Demographic Profile of the Female Assailant: A Ten-Year Background Review of Female Perpetrators Committing Abuse Seen at the Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit from January 2008 to December 2018

Abstract

Objectives. There is limited information on the demographics of female perpetrators of child abuse hence its profile was described utilizing the records collected at the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital Child Protection Unit from January 2008-December 2018.

Methods. A retrospective review of the electronic records using the Child Protection Management Information System (CPMIS) database was done using descriptive and inferential analyses. Total enumeration was done for the descriptive analysis and categorical data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Inferential analysis using chi-squared analysis or Fisher’s exact probability test was used using a minimum sample size computed using power analysis

Results. A total of 983 female perpetrators were reported, mostly belonging to the age group of 25-34 years old (23%). They were more frequently a close relative to the victim (47.3%). Half (50%) of the perpetrators had history of substance abuse, and 65.5% witnessed family violence. Criminal history (99.8%) and occupation (46.7%) were mostly unknown. The types of abuse committed were mostly physical (36%) followed by sexual abuse (34.9%). Inferential analysis of the data suggested that the demographic variables associated with physical abuse were age group, relationship, and history of substance abuse. Meanwhile, age group, relationship, and occupation were associated with sexual abuse.

Conclusion. Although we see a greater number of male perpetrators, it cannot be denied that female perpetrators can also cause harm to the vulnerable population. It is alarming to note that majority of them are close relatives to the victim. Data from the study can help raise awareness and increase vigilance on possible at-risk population.