Emergency Departments and the Victim of Sexual Assault

Kelsey Jeffries RN

Abstract

Sexual violence is a major health concern and as healthcare providers we must do all that we can to provide proper care for this patient population. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness to the lack of preparedness, and that emergency departments are not ready to meet this growing health concern in our communities. Heath care organizations and professionals must get stakeholders involved and acquire the funds and educational tools to enable them to meet this need. Research suggests that emergency department nurses are ill-prepared to care for victims of assault, and must be trained to care for these patients, not only their physical injuries, but also in the collection of evidence, psychological support, prophylaxis of sexually transmitted infections, prevention of pregnancy, education, and follow up care.