Volume 9, Issue 4: Sexual assault

Sexual assault: a place of safety, a time to care

A call comes in for a 34-year-old female with a PV bleed. On arrival you can hear the sound of someone crying just the other side of the door and through the letterbox you see a woman with her back against the wall. Her wide eyes meet yours, filled with terror. What are you going to do?

CPD Benefit

Three adult men or women report a rape to the police every hour in England and Wales annually while this figure is doubled for sexual assault. Ambulance professionals are likely to be the first on scene and should have an understanding of what represents the very best care for these patients. This article examines attitudes towards victims of sexual abuse, highlighting important issues around reporting to the police, reporting without consent, refusal of care and forensic considerations. Possible care pathways for sexual assault victims are also discussed to enable you to optimise care for these patients.

Assessment Answers

You can check your answers to the quiz by clicking the link below:

Standby CPD Volume 9 – Assessment Answers