The role of the sexual assault centre

Eogan, Maeve; McHugh, Anne; Holohan, M.

doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.08.010

Cited by 30 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 4 publications

(4 reference statements)

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“…In this context, the sexual assault centre model often serves as a guiding example. However internationally varying in title and setup, the common thread of these sexual assault centres generally remains a hospital-based health facility that integrates medical, psychosocial and forensic acute and follow-up care, accessible 24 h a day, 7 days a week, in the context of a clearly defined referral and multi-agency network, including but not limited to police and judiciary services [ 1 , 29 , 34 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a more integrated and gender-sensitive care delivery for victims of sexual assault: key findings and recommendations from the Belgian sexual assault care centre feasibility study

Hendriks

Vandenberghe

Peeters

et al. 2018

Int J Equity Health

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BackgroundSexual assault remains a major threat to public health, affecting every gender, gender identity and sexual orientation. Following the Belgian ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2016, the feasibility of a Belgian sexual assault centre model was investigated, aiming to provide more integrated and patient-centred health and judiciary services to victims of sexual assault. By actively involving health professionals, police and judiciary system representatives, as well as victims themselves, this feasibility study eventually fed into the Belgian Sexual Assault Care Centre model. In this process, this paper assessed current Belgian health services and the degree to which the implementation of this model could contribute to both a more integrated and gender-sensitive care delivery. Findings from this study and the subsequent recommendations aim to contribute to similar reforms in other countries that have already taken or are about to take steps towards an integrated, multi-agency support framework for victims of sexual assault.MethodsA qualitative, descriptive analysis of the survey response of 60 key health professionals (N = 60) representing 15 major Belgian hospitals was first conducted. Comparing their approach with the international guidelines and standards, a Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats analysis of the current sexual assault health services and their potential transition to the Sexual Assault Care Centre model was then executed.ResultsDespite adequate equipment, the clear fragmentation of health services and limited follow-up hamper an integrated care delivery in most hospitals. Only three hospitals differentiated their sexual assault care protocol based on the victim’s gender, gender identity and sexual orientation. A striking unawareness among health professionals of sexual assault in male victims, as well as in gender and sexual minorities further hampers a gender-sensitive care delivery.ConclusionsThe Sexual Assault Care Centre model aims to counter most of the current sexual assault health services’ weaknesses and threats hampering an integrated care for victims of sexual assault. Further research and training of health professionals are however required in order to tune this integrated form of care to sexuality and gender-based differences in victims’ already multi-faceted healthcare needs.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Towards a more integrated and gender-sensitive care delivery for victims of sexual assault: key findings and recommendations from the Belgian sexual assault care centre feasibility study

Hendriks

Vandenberghe

Peeters

et al. 2018

Int J Equity Health

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“…This however, is not the case in all instances as a number of victims will wash themselves after an incident 5,11,12 . The introduction of SARCs was intended to enable the forensic examination of sexual assault victims in a clean and sterile environment, whilst offering suitable support and guidance 13 . As the collection of forensic evidence may cause further distress 2,4 , it is important to explore and utilise methods and procedures which aim to limit the potential for this.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Detection of AP after washing has occurred is reported to be difficult, due to its water-soluble nature [19][20][21] , but some success has also been observed 14 . It is possible to recover spermatozoa from a variety of washed sample types and from bathwater 14,[19][20][21] , even those testing negative for AP 13 , so staining for the identification of spermatozoa was completed for all samples irrespective of their AP result.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The recovery of semen from bath scrunchies

Page

Harris

Taylor

et al. 2016

Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences

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“…Ideally, medico-legal and health services should be provided simultaneously 3. Centres for victims of sexual assault that offer medical care, psychological support and forensic examination have expanded over the last 30 years in the USA and in Northern Europe 4. In many countries, access to these centres requires the victim to report the crime to the police 4.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Centres for victims of sexual assault that offer medical care, psychological support and forensic examination have expanded over the last 30 years in the USA and in Northern Europe 4. In many countries, access to these centres requires the victim to report the crime to the police 4. However, most sexual assaults are not reported to the police 5 6.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%