2. Sexual Assault
Rape is nonconsensual vaginal, anal, or oral
penetration, obtained by force or by threat of
bodily harm or when a person is incapable of
giving consent.
Majority of rapes
Committed by spouse
Committed by acquaintance/ date
Fyi 13% of victims are male
3. Sexual Assault Statistics
One on four women
are sexually assaulted
in their lifetime
82% of assaults are
by people known to
the victim
Less than 5% of
college students who
are assault report
40% of assaults take
place in the home
4. Effects of Sexual Assault
Long term
Depression
Suicide
Anxiety/fear
Difficulties with daily functioning
Low self esteem
Sexual dysfunction
Somatic complaints
6. History of Sexual Abuse in
Psychiatric Clients Associated
with a Characteristic Pattern
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Chemical dependency
Suicide attempts
Self-mutilation
Compulsive sexual behavior
Psychosis-like symptoms
7. Rape Trauma Syndrome: Acute
Phase
Occurs immediately after the assault
May last for a few weeks
Lifestyle disorganized
Somatic symptoms are common – tissue
trauma
Reaction to crisis includes disruptions in
cognitive, affective, and behavioral functions
8. Rape Trauma Syndrome: Long
Term Reorganization Phase
Reactions likely to be experienced include:
Intrusive thoughts
Increased motor activity
Increased emotional lability
Fears phobias
Flashbacks
Difficulty w/ADLs, self esteem, depression,
sexuality
Silence
9. Self-Assessment by the
Nurse
Be aware of personal beliefs and feelings
about rape
Prepare to give empathetic / effective care
Examine personal feelings about abortion
10. Nursing Process -
Assessment
Follow protocols of hospital rearding rape
victims
Assess
Level of anxiety
Coping mechanisms
Available support systems
Signs and symptoms
Emotional trauma
Physical trauma
11. Nursing Diagnosis
Rape Trauma Syndrome
Short Term Outcomes: Client Will
Verbalize feelings
Identify support systems
Informed of legal rights
Physical injuries treated
Long Term Outcomes: Client WIll
Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships
Express comfort with body and sexuality
Report a decrease in physical symptoms of stress
and somatic complaints
12. Guidelines for Nursing
Interventions
For survivors to return to their previous level
o functioning they must:
Fully mourn their losses
Experience anger
Work through their terrifying fears
13. Basic Level Interventions
Counseling
24 hour telephone hotlines
Emergency department
Non-judgmental care
Emotional support
Confidentiality
Listen and let survivor talk
14. Advanced Practice Interventions
Collaborative Care -physical, emotional, and psychiatric
SANE or SAFE Practitioners
Obtain consent to collect evidence – can refuse
Support/assist expert during exam and collections
Evaluation of pregnancy, STD and prophylactic treatment
Allow for verbalization – Therapeutic communication
Call support person
Provide hotline numbers and initiate referrals
Case Management – After Care
Provide follow up assessment within 24-48 hours
Provide follow up visits at 2,4, and 6 weeks
Individual or group therapy
Increase coping
Prevent long term disability – depression, suicide
15. Evaluation
Rape survivors are considered to have
recovered if their lifestyle is close to what was
present before rape