Citation

Koschorke A, Tilzey A, Welch J. BJOG 2006; 114(2): 224-225.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1471-0528.2006.01205.x

PMID

17166216

Abstract

Rape and other serious sexual assaults are common and result in long-term morbidity. Increasing numbers are reported but conviction rates are low. Victims of sexual assault present to a wide range of healthcare settings. Good immediate medical care and evidence collection are important in engaging victims with the criminal justice system, avoiding the loss of crucial evidence and minimising long-term morbidity. Of 21 UK medical schools surveyed, only eight provided teaching about sexual assault and ten provided other forensic teaching. Sixteen schools provided guidance about personal safety. As rape is so common and traumatic, medical schools should seriously consider providing teaching about this area.

Language: en