Rape

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Treatment

In many cities, rape cases are referred to specific emergency rooms. This has allowed those sites to provide more specialized care for the unique needs of the rape victim and assure proper procedures are followed to maintain the "chain of evidence" necessary for a case that may go to trial.

Such sexual assault treatment centers may also employ, or have available on-call, a team specialized in assessing and dealing with the psychosocial, physical, and legal issues a rape victim faces. Most state laws require that the victim be evaluated in the emergency room prior to the rape being officially reported.

It is recommended that a rape victim go to the hospital immediately after the rape incident occurs, without changing clothes, showering douching, or urinating since such activities may alter or destroy evidence helpful in identifying and prosecuting the rapist.

Treatment focuses upon providing sufficient emotional support while attempting to collect adequate objective evidence to verify the victim's complaint of rape. If the victim has a support person she wants present, efforts should be made to make that possible; otherwise someone (such as a nurse) should be "assigned" to stay with the victim throughout the interviews and examination. The victim should not be left alone unless she wishes to be. She should be offered the choice of being initially interviewed in street clothes rather than being directed to disrobe and put on a patient gown.

The examination and collection of specimens should be fully explained beforehand to the victim, and whenever possible, the victim should be given choices in an attempt to regain a sense of control. Maintaining a supportive environment, free from any judgmental statements, may encourage the victim to express whatever feelings arise.

Treatment includes addressing any potential for pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, offering information pertinent to those possibilities, and providing care for the immediate physical and emotional trauma incurred as well as planning follow-up care.

If there is a chance that the rapist is HIV-infected, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP, a way to reduce the odds of infection by immediate use of antiretroviral medications) should be explained and offered. Referral to a local rape crisis center may be helpful for the victim to receive peer support and advice necessary for adequate healing from the trauma.