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Sexual Assault Guideline (705)

Please report any inaccuracies or issues with this guideline using our online form

The purpose of this guideline is to provide information regarding the initial assessment, immediate medical care and follow up of patients who are referred to or admitted under gynaecology who disclose a history of recent sexual assault. It outlines the referral process to Archway (sexual assault referral centre) for forensic examination with or without the involvement of the Police. 

For patients presenting beyond forensic timescales (usually >7 days) or who opt not to accept referral to Archway this guideline outlines the immediate medical care and follow up they should be offered. 

For patients disclosing historical rape/sexual assault a list of agencies available to offer support are listed at the end of the guideline (Appendix 1). This can be printed off and given to patients.  

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Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 01/11/2019

Next review date: 30/11/2024

Author(s): Claire Higgins.

Approved By: Gynaecology Clinical Governance Group

Document Id: 705

References
  1. Long, L, Butler, B. Sexual assault. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2018; 20: 87– 93. https://doi.org/10.1111/tog.12474
  2. World Health Organization. Violence against women – Intimate partner and sexual violence against women. Fact sheet. 2017 [http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/].
  3. Ministry of Justice, Home Office, Office for National Statistics. An Overview of Sexual Offending in England and Wales. Statistics Bulletin. 2013 [https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/anoverview-of-sexual-offending-in-england-and-wales].
  4. Essentials in sexual offences examination and clinical management (adults & adolescents) - Best Practice for Scotland Manual
  5. Holmes MM, Resnick HS, Kilpatrick DG, Best CL. Rape-related pregnancy: estimates and descriptive characteristics from a national sample of women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1996; 175: 320-324
  6. Sexual Assault. BASSH Guideline (2012) https://www.bashhguidelines.org/media/1079/4450.pdf
  7. FRSH CEU Clinical Guidance: Emergency Contraception (2017) https://www.fsrh.org/standardsand-guidance/current-clinical-guidance/emergency-contraception/
  8. UK Guideline for the use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure. BASSH Guideline (2015). https://www.bashhguidelines.org/media/1027/pepse-2015.pdf
  9. Campbell, L, Keegan, A, Cybulska, B, Forster, G. Prevalence of mental health problems and deliberate self‐harm in complainants of sexual violence. J Forensic Leg Med 2007; 14: 75– 8.
  10. Kilpatrick, DG, Saunders, BE, Veronen, LJ, Best, CL, Von, LJ. Criminal victimisation: lifetime prevalence, reporting to the police and psychological impact. Crime and Delinquency 1987; 33: 479– 89.