Frenular tear as a sign of non-penetrative sexual assault in a male child: Case report with medicolegal implications.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a very serious issue. In India, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 introduced stringent laws and severe punishments to deter such offences. Notwithstanding, child sexual abuse continues, with many cases going unreported due to societal stigma, fear and lack of awareness. Girls are the most common victims, but boys, whose cases are less frequently reported, may also be victims. Social taboos surrounding sexual abuse of boys contributes to its underreporting. This abuse typically comprises either penetrative or non-penetrative sex acts, primarily resulting in penile and anal injuries, in addition to other extragenital injuries. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who was brought to the emergency department with active penile bleeding. Investigation revealed sexual abuse perpetrated by his father's co-worker. Examination revealed a penile frenular tear with haematoma, indicative of inflicted trauma. This case highlights the forensic significance of penile frenular tears in non-penetrative abuse in male children, distinguishing them from self-inflicted or accidental injuries. It underscores the medico-legal challenges, injury patterns, mechanisms and circumstances involved, emphasising the need for prompt evaluation, legal enforcement and awareness to protect children and ensure justice.