title: Health consequences of sexual violence against women.
abstract: Sexual violence can lead to a multitude of health consequences, including physical, reproductive and psychological. Some may be fatal, whereas others, such as unhealthy behaviours, may occur indirectly as a result of the violence. In total, these result in a significant health burden and should be considered by service providers, government authorities and non-governmental agencies. For women who present early, immediate care should be provided with plans for follow up. Mental-health interventions are important, as women who are sexually assaulted have the highest burden of post-traumatic stress disorder. Cognitive- behavioural therapy has been found to be effective for preventing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder, but psychological debriefing for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder is not recommended. Implementing a routine screening and intervention programme in obstetrics and gynaecology departments may be valuable, as reproductive health consequences are common.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa. ruxana.jina@gmail.com
authors.forename: Ruxana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jina
authors.forename: Leena S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology; D019093:Circumcision, Female / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008393:Marriage; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011247:Pregnancy; D049168:Pregnancy, Unplanned; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D016387:Women's Health