Sexual Assault

Question 1

What Immediate needs should be considered upon disclosure of sexual assault

Answer 1

Immediate safety and treat injuries
Baseline screening for STIs and/or prophylaxis
Baseline HIV test or save serum
HIV PEPSE)l (within 72 hours)
Hep B vaccine (and immunoglobulin if assailant likely / known surface Ag carrier)
Emergency contraception
Offer referral for forensic medical examination in SARC
Consider child and vulnerable adult protection issues
Self-harm risk identification

Question 2

What medium term needs may a patient have after disclosure of sexual assault

Answer 2

(disclosure after 7 days)
Screening for STI’s
Hepatitis B vaccination
Pregnancy testing +/- contraception 
Assessment of coping
Identify symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 
Practical and psychosocial support

Question 3

What long term needs may a patient have after disclosure of sexual assault

Answer 3

(disclosure after 1 year post-assault)
STI screening
Psychological problems dealt with the involvement of the GP +/- referral
for counselling / psychological therapy.
Consider PTSD

only some psychological interventions are allowed in cases awaiting a trial, in order to prevent their impact on the proceedings

Question 4

Options for non-police referrals who disclose sexual assault include

Answer 4

Testing of anonymous forensic samples
Storage of anonymous forensic samples without testing
Release of police intelligence information with the samples
Release of police intelligence information without samples
Independent trained police officer advice
Revisiting decisions regarding testing and/or reporting

Question 5

Forensic timescales (persistence of DNA) for Kissing, licking, biting

Answer 5

48 hours or longer

Question 6

Forensic timescales (persistence of DNA) for oral penetration

Answer 6

48 hours

Question 7

Forensic timescales (persistence of DNA) for vaginal penetration

Answer 7

7 days

Question 8

Forensic timescales (persistence of DNA) for digital penetration

Answer 8

12 hours

Question 9

Forensic timescales (persistence of DNA) for anal penetration

Answer 9

3 days (72hr)

Question 10

What is the time frame for collecting blood and urine samples for drug facilitated sexual assaults

Answer 10

There are short detection times for substances used in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault

Blood collect in 3 days

urine collect in 4 days

Question 11

What is contained In Early Evidence Kits (EEKs)

Answer 11

Early Evidence Kits contain
a urine sample pot
mouth swab
mouth rinse

Question 12

What proportion of women with chronic pelvic pain with no identifiable pathology have a history of sexual abuse?

Answer 12

Approximately 70%