Caring for rape victims

Abstract

Students in the health professions are working with a variety of anxiety-provoking patients, such as victims of child abuse or sexual assault, suicidal and terminally ill patients. Faculty have a responsibility to assist these students in maximizing the growth potential of the experience. This study, involving 22 female and three male students at the University of New Mexico Colleges of Nursing and Medicine, examines the effects of such an experience. Each participant worked on a Sexual Assault Response Team at the Bernalillo County Medical Center for an average of 8.6 months; each saw an average of 16 rape victims for whom they provided counseling services and assisted in medical care and gathering evidence. All of the students reported heightened awareness of their own vulnerability. They began to develop cognitive and behavioral strategies to cope with the possibility of being raped. Approximately one third of the subjects developed symptoms similar to those experienced by rape victims. Those who did not develop symptoms attributed it to being able to work through their feelings at team meetings. Students became more aware of their attitudes toward rape victims, both positive and negative. Moreover, the most significant change they experienced was in their own perception of themselves as care givers; they felt more confident and competent, both in medical and counseling areas. Faculty are encouraged to meet weekly with students involved in such experiences.