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Should medical students be taught about rape? A survey of UK medical schools
Author(s) -
Koschorke A,
Tilzey A,
Welch J
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.01205.x
Subject(s) - sexual assault , conviction , criminal justice , medical education , economic justice , psychology , medicine , health care , psychiatry , medical emergency , suicide prevention , poison control , criminology , political science , law
Rape and other serious sexual assaults are common and result in long‐term morbidity. Increasing numbers are reported but conviction rates are low. Victims of sexual assault present to a wide range of healthcare settings. Good immediate medical care and evidence collection are important in engaging victims with the criminal justice system, avoiding the loss of crucial evidence and minimising long‐term morbidity. Of 21 UK medical schools surveyed, only eight provided teaching about sexual assault and ten provided other forensic teaching. Sixteen schools provided guidance about personal safety. As rape is so common and traumatic, medical schools should seriously consider providing teaching about this area.