Sexual assault centers: Attendance rates, and differences between early and late presenting cases

Helle Nesvold · Svein Friis · Kari Ormstad

27 citations0/0 files storedActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica

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Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies Intimate Partner and Family Violence Child Abuse and Trauma

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Sexual assault centers (SACs) aim at assisting victims and to provide forensic medical examination (FME). This study explores the gap between assaults actually occurring and those seen at SAC; and the characteristics of cases presented in time/too late for FME (early and late cohorts). DESIGN: Retrograde descriptive study. SETTING AND SAMPLE: A two-year series from a self-referral SAC; characteristics of victims, assaults, use of services. METHODS: Chi-quadrate, uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of female victims seen/female at-risk population (attendance rates). Case and service profiles in the two cohorts. Adjusted odds for late presentation. RESULTS: Attendance rates for females were 0.12% (14-55 years); an estimated 4-7% of sexually assaulted females in the catchment area. Two hundred and seventy eight victims arrived in time for FME, 76 later; 6% males. Assaults in the early cohort were more often performed by strangers. Two hundred and thirty-eight victims underwent FME, 55% complied with follow-up, 55% reported to the police. The late cohort contained more adolescent victims, more acquainted/partner perpetrators, more verbal coercion; 45% medically examined, 80% follow-up compliance; 34% reported to police. Further referrals occurred equally often in both cohorts; 12% to somatic and 39% to psychiatric services. Among victims seen, 5% died within 7 years of consultation. CONCLUSION: Cases seen at SAC are strongly selected. The late cohort seems more representative of the commonly occurring assaults; young victims, known assailants. Even late presenters are in need of a multidisciplinary approach.

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References

1993Prevalence of civilian trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder in a representative national sample of women.2004Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault And Stalking: Findings from The British Crime Survey 2005Crime Victimization in Adults With Severe Mental Illness 2003The Role of “Real Rape” and “Real Victim” Stereotypes in the Police Reporting Practices of Sexually Assaulted Women 1997Health Impact of Interpersonal Violence 2: Medical and Mental Health Outcomes 1994Somatic symptoms, social support, and treatment seeking among sexual assault victims.2004Social Perception of Rape 2004Physical injury after sexual assault: Findings of a large case series

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2016Psychosocial Vulnerability Among Patients Contacting a Norwegian Sexual Assault Center 2016Somatic health of 2500 women examined at a sexual assault center over 10 years 2021Piloting sexual assault care centres in Belgium: who do they reach and what care is offered?

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