Medical Management of Rape/Sexual Violence
The reproductive health service related needs of
survivors of sexual violence have been identified as complex and
multi-faceted. Sexual violence results in unintended and unwanted
pregnancy, transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted
infections, psychological trauma and physical injuries.
Comprehensive care includes counselling, treatment
and management of injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
post exposure prophylaxis, HIV care for those who are HIV positive
and pregnancy prevention. Unintended pregnancy increases susceptibility
to adverse pregnancy outcomes and can result in unsafe abortions
or injuries and complications. Of additional concern is the emerging
evidence world-wide that sexual violence is an important risk
factor contributing towards vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The national
plan for mainstreaming gender into the HIV/AIDS strategic plan
for Kenya has identified sexual violence as an issue of concern
in HIV transmission, particularly among adolescents. Literature
shows that 4% of HIV infection among adolescents is from sexual
violence. Download
this guideline doument.
