Medical Health Encyclopedia

Rape

The victim may have a variety of other physical concerns needing to be addressed. Physical abuse is often present as well. Emergency room staff are specially trained to deal with all of these situations.

SIGNS AND TESTS

A history will be obtained in a supportive and non-judgmental way. This will include the details of the attack: the date and time of the rape, where it occurred and what the victim has done since the attack (for example, showered and changed clothes as opposed to coming directly to the hospital).

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If possible, this should be done with both medical and investigating police present, to eliminate the need for the victim to repeatedly recall the incident.

Additional medical history that should be obtained includes: any possibility of pregnancy prior to the attack; the date of the last menstrual period; a pertinent gynecological history, including any prior sexual abuse or assault; and the presence of chronic illness or recent illness or injury, as well as current medications.

A complete physical examination should be done to document any objective signs of trauma. Pictures may be taken to note bruises, scrapes, or cuts. X-rays will be taken if fractures are suspected.

Numerous samples and specimens may be collected for evidence including clothing, pubic hair samples (particularly if foreign materials are noted within it), fingernail scrapings, and vaginal (and mouth or anal, if indicated) samples to examine for evidence of sperm and test for sexually transmitted diseases.

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.