Victims’ use of professional services in a Dutch sexual assault centre

Abstract

BackgroundPrior research endorsed the establishment of sexual assault centres in the Netherlands because of the potential benefit for victims’ mental recovery. In 2012, the first Dutch sexual assault centre was founded at the University Medical Center Utrecht. The aim of the centre is to provide 24/7 coordinated and integrated services (i.e., medical, forensic, and psychological) in one location.ObjectiveThe purpose of the present study was to describe demographic, background, and assault characteristics of victims seen at the centre within one week post-assault, and their use of post-assault services in order to improve current services.MethodFrom January 2012 to September 2013, prospective data of 108 patients were collected. To describe the population included, frequency counts and proportions were generated for categorical variables.ResultsThe mean age was 21.3 years (SD=9.8). Most victims were female (91.7%). A large proportion of victims reported background characteristics known to increase the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and revictimisation such as prior sexual abuse (32.4%), pre-existing use of mental health services (45.4%), and not living with both biological parents (61.7%). Most patients (88.9%) consulted the centre within 72 hours post-assault. The uptake of services was high: 82.4% received emergency medical care, 61.7% underwent a forensic–medical exam, 34% reported to the police, and 82.4% utilised psychological services.ConclusionTo prevent revictimisation and PTSD, current psychological services could be improved with immediate trauma-focused treatments. Current forensic services may be improved with the use of standard top to toe forensic–medical examinations for both children and adults.

Investigating institutional abuse survivors’ help-seeking attitudes with the Inventory of Attitudes towards Seeking Mental Health Services

“…A possible explanation may be that severe psychopathology leads to higher psychological strain and therefore a wish for change (Bicanic, Snetselaar, de Jongh, & van de Putte, 2014; Gavrilovic et al, 2005; Kantor et al, 2017). In contrast, depression deterred participants from help-seeking which could be attributed to the nature of depression including fatigue, loss of activities, and hopelessness (Sherwood, Salkovskis, & Rimes, 2007).…”

Sexual violence and mental health services: a call to action

“…This should include a risk assessment for self-harm and suicidal ideation and a review of any pre-existing MH problems (as highlighted in the 2018 NHS England Service Specification for SARC services). It has been estimated that worldwide approximately 40% of those attending SARCs are known to MH services (Brown et al, 2013;Bicanic et al, 2014;Zilkens et al, 2017). More recent research in England has concurred with this figure (Brooker and Durmaz, 2015).…”

Challenges in interprofessional collaboration: experiences of care providers and policymakers in a newly set‐up Dutch assault centre

“…The goal of an SAC is to improve legal outcomes and help‐seeking experiences of victims. SACs indeed seem to have a positive impact on both . Effective interprofessional collaboration is a key determinant that is reaching these aims.…”