 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Suyapa V. Villalobos, RN, Office of Community Health Promotion and Public Health Services/Medical & Professional Affairs, New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, 346 Broadway, Room 1136, New York, NY 10013, (212) 442-4816, Villalos@nychhc.org
BACKGROUND: Rape and sexual assault are crimes that often cause devastating and long lasting effects on its victims. Victims of rape and sexual assault have serious and complex needs that must be addressed promptly, sensitively and with expertise. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the presentation, the participants will be able to 1) Identify the needs and provide sensitive and compassionate care for the sexually assaulted victim. 2) Identify and list strategies to increase awareness in communities. METHODOLOGY: Sensitive and compassionate care is paramount to the victim’s healing process which facilitates the first step in turning a victim into a recovering survivor. At each facility, the dedicated rape and sexual assault coordinator facilitates the delivery of sensitive care by the inter-disciplinary team which includes the forensic examiner, the rape victim’s advocate, and other health care providers in a private setting that provides emotional support and reduces further trauma. The coordinator initiates the array of services and follow-up care including the completion of tracking forms and providing advocacy and accompaniment through the legal system. RESULTS: Statistically for calendar year 2001, services were provided to 1587 victims, of whom 95% were females. 42% of the victims reported previous incidents of domestic violence ranging from 1-3 times in the past year. CONCLUSION: Early screening and intervention leads to a better and more positive outcome. Prevention education needs to be addressed in the early school years to break the cycle of violence.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Sexual Assault, Advocacy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.