sexual assault Flashcards
what are immediate needs for patients presenting following alleged sexual assault?
safety treatment of injuries baseline sti screening consider prophylaxis for sti baseline hiv test or safe serum pepse if <72h hep b vaccine hep b immunoglobulin if assailant known hepbsag carrier EC referral offered for forensic assessment safeguarding self harm risk assessment
what are medium term needs post sexual assault?
eow sti screen
PT if indicated
assess for PTSD
psychosocial support
what is the definition of rape?
intentional penetration of the penis into the vagina, mouth or anus without their consent
if the person is <13, consent is irrelevant
what is the definition of sexual assault by penetration?
if person intentionally penetrate the vagina or anus of another person with another part of their body or anything else without their consent
what is the definition of sexual assault?
unwanted sexual behaviour or touching of another person without their consent
can be with part of their body
or anything else
or through clothing
may include forced acts or oral sex or forcing someone to watch porn or masturbation
what are the most common STIs identified in women with a history of sexual assault?
GC, chlamydia and TV
what are the disadvantages of abx prophylaxis in sexual assault?
unnecessary treatment
reinforce belief they have an sti
anxiety
no PN
what are the advantages of abx prophylaxis for sexual assault ?
reduce the need for tests
reduce chance of missing sti if they default
decrease the chance of detecting an sti
if patient may default, wants an emergency IUD which abx would be recommended?
cover GC, CT and TV
What are the options for non police SARC forensic referral?
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
Forensic timescale for digital penetration?
12 hours
Forensic timescale for anal penetration?
72 hours
What advice should be given to a patient prior to forensic medical examination?
Preserving forensic evidence if possible by avoiding
bathing/washing clothes
brushing teeth or drinking liquids prior to an FME
Preservation of sanitary pads, tampons and clothes (particularly underwear) worn at the time of the assault and immediately after the assault.
If DFSA is suspected, advise not to dye hair as this interferes with toxicology results in hair
What aspects should be covered in forensic history?
Date, time, location
Number of perpetrators
Perpetrator characteristics (stranger, partner, ex-partner, acquaintance)
Physical violence
Presence of injuries (new and old)
Sexual acts (vaginal, oral, anal, penile/digital penetration)
Ejaculation and condom use
Some will not disclose forced oral or anal penetration without being directly asked, due to embarrassment.
Pre- and post-assault sexual history
Presenting symptoms Eg: vaginal/anal pain or bleeding
Risk of viral infections (HIV, Hepatitis B and C) in the perpetrator, if known
Past medical, surgical, gynaecological, obstetric history and mental health history Menstrual and contraceptive history
Prescription and non-prescription medication and allergies
Post sexual assault, would you offer STI testing if within the window period for GC/CT?
If the client presents within 2 weeks of the assault, consider STI screening at baseline using Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) if appropriate and repeat tests 2 weeks after exposure
High rate of default from subsequent appointments, so a pragmatic approach to management may have to be taken.