Committee Opinion No. 499: Sexual Assault

Victims of sexual assault who are of reproductive age are at risk of unintended pregnancy as well as sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, emergency contraception and prophylaxis for sexually transmitted diseases should be available and provided to these women. Sexual assault victims are also at risk of mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder. Health care providers should screen routinely for a history of sexual assault. The physician who examines victims of sexual assault has a responsibility to be aware of state and local statutory or policy requirements that may involve the use of assessment kits for gathering evidence.