reproductive health services for adolescents - Pathfinder International

Time constraints.
Trainer's Tool 11.3B: Responses to the Barriers
Module 16/Trainer's Tools
Developing a standardized screening tool and referral program can make dealing with
sexual abuse a time-efficient process.
Already RH/FP clinics are seeing survivors of sexual violence. Sexual abuse has been
linked to repeat visits and increased use of services, and it can be the cause of chronic
or repeat RH problems. Addressing sexual abuse early on can prevent repeat visits in
the future, thereby saving time.
Lack of training about the issue.
It is possible for a provider who is knowledgeable on the subject to conduct a training
within their clinic for all staff on the issue of screening and referral. The key to
responding to sexual abuse is commitment to the issue.
Provider feels there is nothing s/he can do to help.
While you may not be able to solve the problem, you can help by detecting the problem,
providing an opportunity for the client to talk, helping the client identify a safe place
where s/he can stay temporarily, and, if services exist, setting up a referral process.
The clinic is not the place to address sexual abuse.
Screening for sexual abuse is the next logical next step in the provision of
comprehensive care. Adolescents are already coming for other RH/FP services. Often
the clinic is the only place where sexual abuse can be addressed, especially if there are
no referral services in the community.
There are more important health issues to be addressed.
Research shows that sexual abuse and its medical consequences are just as—or even
more—prevalent than many common conditions for which providers routinely screen. It
also has significant consequences for the client's future RH.
Belief that young men/women won’t want to talk about their experiences.
Research and clinical experience show that this is not the case. Many young
men/women are hoping that someone will ask. Many providers are surprised to see
how readily clients will talk about the issue when they begin asking their clients direct
questions about sexual abuse.
Belief that sexual abuse is a private or shameful issue.
Staff already discuss sensitive and personal topics with clients.
Pathfinder International
221
Adolescent Curriculum