title: Management of acute adult sexual assault.
abstract: An estimated 13% of women and 3% of men worldwide report sexual assault in their lifetime. Although managing sexual assault may appear daunting, some victims want medical care only. After disclosure, discuss forensic assessment. If a complaint to the police is possible, give the first dose of emergency contraception if required, and refer for forensic assessment. If medical care only is desired, determine the timing and type of assault and current contraception, manage general and genital injuries and perform relevant tests. After unprotected vaginal rape, offer emergency contraception, chlamydia prophylaxis and vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Counselling is important for all victims of sexual assault, as psychosocial consequences are more common than physical injuries. Management by a sympathetic, non-judgmental health practitioner helps the victim to regain control.
authors.affiliation: Princess Alexandra Sexual Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia. jacki_mein@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: Jacqueline K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Mein
authors.forename: Cheryn M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: Meon Carol
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Shand
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Templeton
authors.forename: Vanita
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Parekh
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mobbs
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haig
authors.forename: Sarah E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Huffam
authors.forename: Lyndall
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011287:Prejudice; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control