Doctor develops new protocol for sexual abuse victims

Many cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) occur due to people being in a sexually abusive relationship with their partner or from sexual assault. For years, there has been a debate over the best method of treating these victims when they come into the emergency room after being assaulted. Recently, a researcher from Boston University has written an article to educate physicians and hospital workers on the best protocol for handling individuals who have undergone sexual abuse.

"Caring for a victim of sexual assault is truly complex and can involve a host of psychological, medical and legal issues," said researcher Judith Linden, M.D. "I hope that this article will help demystify and clarify the issues for emergency and primary care practitioners and help standardize care models so that we can deliver optimal care to victims of sexual assault."

Linden suggests that when a person first comes to the hospital for treatment after an attack, there should be a team of people ready to help them. This team would include nurses, physicians and rape crisis counselors. She also recommended that patients be offered a variety of tools to prevent the development of STDs and unwanted pregnancies.

The researcher also mentioned that medical professionals should make sure the victim has resources for how how to get follow-up medical and psychological treatment to help with the emotional and physical issues associated with sexual assault.