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Kink A, Towns JM, Fairley CK, Phillips TR, Bradshaw CS, Chow EPF. Management of acute sexual assault presenting to a large Australian sexual health clinic in 2012-2021: a retrospective clinical audit. Sex Health 2024; 21:SH23175. [PMID: 38603545 DOI: 10.1071/sh23175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Background The incidence of sexual assault continues to rise in Australia. This study aimed to describe the nature of assault, HIV/STI positivity, and its management at a sexual health clinic. Methods We performed a chart review of 516 sexual assault cases presenting to Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2012 and 2021, collecting data on victim demographics, details of assault, HIV/STI testing and positivity, police involvement, and offer of counselling. Results We included 516 cases: 124 males (24.0%); 384 females (74.4%); and eight transgender (1.6%) victims. The proportion of assault cases presenting to Melbourne Sexual Health Centre increased from 0.1% (37/37,070) in 2012 to 0.2% (56/36,514) in 2021 (P trend =0.006). HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was prescribed for 64.5% (80/124) of males and 12.5% (48/384) of females. Among victims, 69.4% (358/516) were tested for HIV and no one tested positive, while 71.9% (371/516) were tested for syphilis, with 1.6% (6/371) positive. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia were tested at the oropharynx (44.8% [231/516] vs 28.7% [148/516]), genitals (83.7% [432/516] vs 92.4% [477/516]) and anorectum (35.3% [182/516] vs 35.3% [182/516]). Positivity for gonorrhoea and chlamydia were: 2.6% (6/231) vs 2.0% (3/148) at oropharynx, 1.4% (6/432) vs 2.9% (14/477) at genitals, and 5.5% (10/182) vs 7.1% (13/182) at anorectum. According to clinical records, 25.2% (130/516) of victims sought police involvement, and 71.7% (370/516) were offered counselling. Conclusions Sexual assault was an uncommon presentation at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, with diverse circumstances surrounding assault; however, clinical documentation varied, indicating a need for a standard primary care protocol for clients presenting with acute sexual assault.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleah Kink
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Janet M Towns
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Oesterle DW, McKee GB, Dworkin ER, Blackburn AM, Daigle LE, Gill-Hopple K, Gilmore AK. Characteristics of Sexual Assault Among Men Receiving a Forensic Medical Examination. J Child Sex Abus 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37661816 PMCID: PMC10909921 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2023.2249890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault is a form of violence disproportionately perpetrated against women by men; however, men also experience high rates of sexual victimization. While recent research exploring victimization of sexual assault among men does exist, little is known about situational characteristics and consequences surrounding men's assault experiences. Therefore, the current study examines narratives of men's sexual assault to further understand the unique experiences of men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination. To accomplish this, we conducted a retrospective medical chart review of sexual assault narratives from N = 45 men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination at a large academic medical institution in the southeastern United States. Three general constructs were identified within the records: a) Perpetrator use of coercive tactics, b) Memory loss, and c) Contextual factors. Nested within these constructs, five specific themes emerged, including: a1) Use of weapons and physical force; a2) Tactical administration of alcohol and drugs; b1) Difficulties remembering assault; c1) Consensual sexual activity turned non-consensual; c2) Incarceration. Findings from the present study common identified characteristics of sexual assaults among men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination, including coercive tactics used by perpetrators, consequences of sexual assault, and high-risk settings for male victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace B McKee
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily R Dworkin
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Roman-Lazarte V, Roman LA, Galeas-Torre MK. Characteristics and Factors Associated With Age and Gender Among Peruvian Children and Adolescents Who Are Victims of Sexual Violence. Glob Pediatr Health 2023; 10:2333794X231190526. [PMID: 37533962 PMCID: PMC10392208 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x231190526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives. To identify the characteristics and factors associated with the gender and age of victims and aggressors. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. Linear regression and Poisson regression were used to determine β coefficients and prevalence ratios (PR) between general characteristics and victim gender and age. Results. A total of 6929 records were analyzed. Factors associated with victim gender included urban area of residence (P < .001), alcohol consumption (P < .001). Factors associated with older victim age were being female (β = 3.08) and not being related to the aggressor (β = 1.73). Aggressors were older if they were the father (β = 7.58) or stepfather (β = 5.08), and if the rape had occurred previously (β = 6.11). Conclusions. There are factors directly associated with the gender and age of the victim. Strategies to prevent sexual assaults, especially within the family context, should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Roman-Lazarte
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Lima, Perú
- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Lima, Perú
| | - Luz Angela Roman
- Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, Cerro de Pasco, Pasco, Perú
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina Humana Daniel Alcides Carrión (SOCIEMDAC), Cerro de Pasco, Pasco, Perú
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Pijpers ML, Covers MLV, Houterman S, Bicanic IAE. Risk factors for PTSD diagnosis in young victims of recent sexual assault. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2047293. [PMID: 35401950 PMCID: PMC8986203 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2047293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual assault is associated with a high risk of developing PTSD. Little is known about the PTSD onset in children who have recently been victimized by sexual assault. It is important to identify children at risk for PTSD after sexual assault to prevent chronic problems and revictimization. OBJECTIVE The first aim of this study was to describe the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the four weeks after sexual assault. The second aim was to analyse whether pre-assault factors, assault-related factors, social support, and post-traumatic stress, measured at two weeks post-assault, were associated with an indication of PTSD. METHOD From January 2019 to March 2021, data were collected of victims aged 8-17 years (n = 51; mean age = 15.00; SD = 1.78) who had contacted a Sexual Assault Centre. Severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms was measured at two and four weeks post-assault. The study was designed to use a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study included female victims only. RESULTS Most of the victims (58.8%) showed a decline in the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms in the four weeks after sexual assault. However, 27.4% showed an increase and 13.7% showed no change in symptoms. More than two-thirds of the children (70.6%) showed severe post-traumatic stress symptoms at four weeks post-assault, i.e. had an indication of PTSD. Since only one significant difference was found, the multivariate analysis was not executed. A significant difference was found between severity of symptoms at two weeks and an indication of PTSD at four weeks (t(49) = -5.79; p < .001). CONCLUSION Children with high levels of post-traumatic stress at two weeks post-assault are at risk for PTSD indication at four weeks post-assault. Further research is needed to determine whether early trauma-based treatment for children with high post-traumatic stress symptoms can prevent the development of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam L Pijpers
- Department of Psychology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Milou L V Covers
- National Psychotrauma Center for Children and Youth, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Saskia Houterman
- Department of Education and Research, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Iva A E Bicanic
- National Psychotrauma Center for Children and Youth, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
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