Sexual violence against women: a multidisciplinary integrated care model

Abstract

According to Ades and co-workers [1], clinical practice with women who experienced sexual violence requires multidisciplinary trauma-informed care addressing patients' medical and psychological needs, either short-or long-term. Following these key points, our Sexual and Domestic Violence Service (SVSeD, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy), founded in 1996, adopts an integrated multidisciplinary approach to assist victims, with a team composed of gynaecologists, psychologists, social workers, forensics, sexologists, lawyers, and paediatricians when needed [2].Besides medical and psychological assistance, meticulous examination, interpretation and documentation of genital and extragenital lesions, as well as correct evidence collection-e.g., DNA swabs, sperm slides, blood and urine samples to test for drug-facilitated rape-are fundamental, since they may affect possible legal proceedings. These practices entail high levels of specialization, as well as an effective collaboration between all the professionals involved. At the same time, physical examination and evidence collection should be conducted in full respect of women's dignity, which is an important component of victims' perception of justice [3]. A lack of sensitivity during these procedures may intensify psychological trauma by re-exposing women to objectification, in the sense of feeling treated like a body of evidence rather than a person of worth.

Intimate Partner Violence in the COVID-19 Era: A Health, Psychological, Forensic and Legal Perspective

“…The difficulties IPV survivors face during the COVID-19 pandemic must make health workers even more aware of the great importance of their role in recognizing, identifying, and supporting women experiencing domestic violence. In addition, educating key health professionals and/or providing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary service [41], including clinical, psychological and forensic care, integrated into existing health services (rather than as a stand-alone service, as also suggested by the WHO before the spread of the COVID-19 infection) [42], appear even more important in the context of limited accessibility to IPV services due to the pandemic.…”

Traumas físicos e psíquicos após a violência sexual em mulheres / Physical and psychic traumas after sexual violence in women

“…2021 and indecent assault. Because without correct evidence collection it may not be possible to legally prove that there was a sexual crime (BARBARA et al, 2019).…”

“…This kind of behavior discourages raped women from asking for help or reporting the aggressor (FAÚNDES, et al, 2006). Given the multiple consequences of sexual violence, care for this victim should have a multidisciplinar approach, even if the physician needs to assume a leadership role in the victim's assistance process, professionals such as psychologists, social workers, forensic practitioners, sexologists, lawyers are indispensable in this situation (BARBARA et al, 2019).…”

Sexual violence against women remains problematic and highly prevalent around the world

“…The increasing release of sexual violence-related information has provided a clearer picture of the current state of violence against women. Some of the common and serious forms of violence that women face include sexual abuse, forced prostitution, selective abortion, and neglect of girls, with sexual violence being the most widespread form [ 4 ]. Perpetrators of violence include spouses, partners, parents, other family members, neighbors, and men in positions of power or control.…”