Clinical Care For Survivors Of Sexual Assault

• Take a complete history and full physical examination, documenting all injuries
• Provide supportive care (‘psychological first aid’)
• Provide emergency contraception (if up to 5 days after the event)
• Provide prophylaxis for STIs
• Use shared decision-making with survivor regarding HIV Post-exposure Prophylaxis
• For further information refer to: WHO Guidelines for medico-legal care of sexual violence survivors (2002) & e-learning tool for Clinical Management of Rape survivors (WHO/UNHCR 2009).

Complications:

• Infection
• Haematoma in parametrium
• Recto-vaginal, vesico-vaginal fistulae
• Dyspareunia