Rape

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Post-traumatic stress disorder

(Page 3)

The health care providers will take a history in a supportive and nonjudgmental way. This will include the details of the attack:

• The date and time of the rape
• Where it occurred
• What you have done since the attack (for example, showered and changed clothes or came directly to the hospital)

If possible, this interview should be done with both health care providers and police present. However, even if you at first think you do not want to report this crime, it is important to have this interview with the health care team at least, as you may feel differently after a period of time. The evidence, including the history of what happened, is most accurate when obtained right away.

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Other medical history information that is taken includes:

• Any possibility of pregnancy before the attack
• Current medications
• Gynecological history, including any previous sexual abuse or assault
• The date of the last menstrual period
• The presence of chronic illness or recent illness or injury

A complete physical examination should be done to document any signs of trauma. Pictures may be taken to note bruises, scrapes, or cuts. X-rays will be taken if the health care provider suspects fractures.

Many samples may be collected for evidence, including:

• Clothing
• Fingernail scrapings
• Pubic hair samples (especially if there are foreign materials in it)
• Vaginal samples for evidence of sperm and sexually transmitted diseases (mouth or anal samples may also be required)

Blood tests and cultures will be done to check for the chance of pregnancy, infections, and to see if you were given a rape drug.

TREATMENT

Treatment focuses on providing emotional support, while attempting to collect enough evidence to confirm the rape.

Treatment for the immediate physical and emotional trauma includes:

• Addressing the possibility of pregnancy. See: Emergency contraception
• Providing information about rape and sexual assault in a safe and supportive environment
• Treating sexually transmitted infections

If there is a chance that the rapist is HIV-infected, the health care providers should explain and offer postexposure prophylaxis (PEP, a way to reduce the odds of infection immediately using antiretroviral medications).