Sexual assault

From ArticleWorld

While its formal definition may vary, in legal terms, sexual assault can be generally defined as any undesired contact of a sexual nature with another person. It is commonly asociated with rape, but in both legal and clinical perspective, it is much broader than it, as it doesn't necessarily invlove penetration. The US Department of Health and Human Service (US DHHS) gives the following definition of a sexual assault: "inappropriate touching, vaginal, anal, or oral penetration, sexual intercourse that [one says] no to, rape, attempted rape, [and] child molestation." Source: http://www.4woman.gov/faq/sexualassault.htm .

Legal authorities' role

The range of victims of sexual assault is very broad. Police and medical authorities have a great role in preventing and responding to sexual assaults.

Most police sections can offer educational programmes in order to inform and educate teenagers, who are the most vulnerable to a sexual assault. Some hospitals have specially trained personnel, who can help victims, both psychologically and physically. If such specially trained personnel does not exist, hospitals do provide the basic facilities for such cases, including treatment to prevent sexually transmitted diseases or undesired pregnancy.

First aid and treatment

First aid in such cases is rather delicate, because of the sensitive nature of the assualt. The first concern should be to move the victim away from any potential source of danger, and treat any physical injuries. Do not touch anything on the crime scene. If the nearest hospital emergency room is close enough, you can help the victim to get there, but call for help if not. Special care should be taken with the victim, due to the psychological effects of a sexual assault.

You may ask the victim to consider writing down anything that he or she can remember about the incident. Details tend to wash away easily in such cases, and they may help investigators. If available, the victim should consider allowing personnel in the hospital to perform a rape kit investigation.

Under no circumstances should the victim be allowed to shower, bathe or wash, because this may destroy critical evidence. Do not change clothing either, and, if possible, do not eat, drink or smoke.

Clinical treatment involves not just physical care, but most importantly psychological care. The vast majority of victims suffer psychological trauma after being sexual assaulted. Psychological treatment requires considerable tact and should only be done by trained specialists. Wherever legislation allows it, emergency contraception measures can be taken. Most hospitals can also collect evidence, like DNA samples, to help investigation.