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Sexual assault
Author(s) -
Long Lisa,
Butler Bernadette
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1111/tog.12474
Subject(s) - referral , medicine , sexual assault , family medicine , documentation , sexual abuse , health care , psychiatry , psychology , medical emergency , suicide prevention , poison control , computer science , economics , programming language , economic growth
Key content Sexual assault is common, with one in five women aged 16–59 years having experienced sexual violence. The choices for women regarding reporting sexual assault and referral to a sexual assault referral centre should be widely known in obstetrics and gynaecology. Healthcare professionals should offer basic first aid, emergency contraception and screening/prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections including HIV. This article outlines the role of the forensic medical examination and future long‐term needs of women who have experienced sexual assault. The basic laws regarding sexual assault are discussed.Learning objectives To understand the prevalence of sexual assault and its impact on women's health. To understand the basic appropriate management of those reporting sexual assault and the different options available to women. To be able to document findings and take early evidence.Ethical issues Healthcare professionals are often frightened of the disclosure. They need to be supportive and non‐judgemental. Careful documentation of history and findings are important in view of possible legal proceedings. Sharing of information with other professionals may need to be considered without having the client's consent to protect vulnerable adults, adolescents and general public.