Rape

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Post-traumatic stress disorder

It is better to respond quickly and actively to an attack, according to numerous studies. People, especially women, who resist the attacker this way are more likely to avoid being raped, compared with those who exhibit either passive behavior or no resistance.

SYMPTOMS

Rape is a very traumatic event. The person who was raped may or may not be able to say that she was actually raped, or she may seek medical attention for a different complaint. Emotional reactions differ greatly and may include: confusion, social withdrawal, tearfulness, nervousness or seemingly inappropriate laughter, numbness, hostility, and fear.

A person who was raped 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 attacked person has done since the attack (for example, showered and changed clothes or came directly to the hospital).

If possible, this interview should be done with both medical and investigating police present, to eliminate the need for the person 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 seen within it), fingernail scrapings, and vaginal samples to examine for evidence of sperm and test for sexually transmitted diseases (mouth or anal samples may also be required).