Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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sexual assault Unwilling, unconsenting, or
forced sexual interaction. Sexual assault involves
implied or actual use of VIOLENCE to force compliance
and is an act of violence, not an act of sexual
gratification. Sexual assault is also criminal act and
has potentially serious health consequences. Rape
is sexual assault in which there is attempted or
completed penetration of the VAGINA, ANUS, or
MOUTH by the PENIS, finger, or an object. In some
states the legal term for penetration other than
vaginal is sodomy. Incest is sexual assault in which
the perpetrator is a family member and may occur
as a form of CHILD ABUSE.
Women, men, and children may be the victims
of sexual assault. Those at highest risk are women
between the ages of 16 and 20. About 100,000
sexual assaults are reported to police in the United
States each year, which health experts believe represents
perhaps only 1 in 4 of sexual assaults that
actually occur. Sexual assault in which the victim
is male is even less frequently reported.
Legal Issues of Sexual Assault
Though it is a natural desire to immediately bathe
or shower after a sexual assault, it is crucial to first
seek medical attention. SEMEN and other bodily
fluid samples are essential for identifying the perpetrator
of the assault, even when the victim
knows the assailant. Hospital emergency departments
often have staff (sexual assault nurse examiners)
who have special training in obtaining such
samples and conducting sexual assault examinations
that are in compliance with the standards of
legal evidence. Most hospitals have sexual assault
advocates and support services they contact who
can provide assistance for the victims of sexual
assault.
Health Issues of Sexual Assault
Traumatic injury resulting from forceful penetration,
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES (STDS),
unwanted PREGNANCY, and emotional trauma are
the key health issues of sexual assault. Doctors
may recommend or administer (with consent)
emergency CONTRACEPTION when pregnancy is a
possibility. Doctors also typically offer ANTIBIOTIC
PROPHYLAXIS as a defense against STDs, with recommended
follow-up testing for STDs that have
longer incubation periods or are viral, such as HEP-
ATITIS, HIV/AIDS, SYPHILIS, and GONORRHEA.
The emotional consequences of sexual assault
can be long lasting and significant. Doctors recommend
counseling even when the person does not
feel it is necessary. ACUTE STRESS DISORDER and POST-
TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) are common.
Sexual assault may result in prolonged inability to
form intimate relationships or enjoy sexual partnerships,
either in existing circumstances such as
marriage or in subsequent circumstances.
Risk Reduction Measures
Because sexual assault is a criminal act of violence
that is often random, it is not possible to completely
prevent attack. However, law enforcement
officials recommend these measures to reduce the
risk for sexual assault
• maintain high awareness of one’s surroundings,
particularly during times of darkness (including
early morning hours especially in the winter)
• when walking alone, walk at a purposeful
stride and in the center or closer to the curb
side of sidewalks
• do not enter a car, home, or other setting if
anything about it seems suspicious
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