ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the immediate management of a patient who discloses rape/sexual assault and also cover some of the possible long-term consequences. This ATSM is designed to create departmental and regional leaders who can structure a successful multiprofessional service to manage the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Completion of the Diploma of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare prior to the ATSM is recommended but not mandatory. Victims of sexual violence can be of any age, gender and sexuality. The management of a complaint of rape or sexual violence will depend on several factors. A key issue when dealing with any victim is to understand that sexual violence is fundamentally about power and control: the loss of it for the victim, and the exertion of it by the assailant. Ideally a rape victim would have the option of being seen in a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
