[Sexual violence observed in family practice]

In 11 general medical practices which are part of the 'Huisartsen Peilstation Groningen', the nature and extent were investigated of cases of sexual violence previously unknown to the GP. Questions also investigated were who took the initiative to bringing up this subject, and whether the results yield guidelines for better detection of and attending to sexual violence. The GPs registered these items during 1990 and 1991 after the first contact with any patient about a case of sexual violence (as defined by Draijer) previously unknown to them. The number of registered cases was 64 (corresponding to 17 per 10,000 patients), half of which concerned adults with sexual violence problems in their childhood. Offenders, nature and extent of the violence did not differ from descriptions in the literature. No cases were reported of still continuing violence. The 11 GPs differed significantly in the number of registered cases. The extent to which GP or patient took the initiative to bringing up the subject was not related to the number of cases registered by the GP. Patients referred and those not referred did not differ significantly in nature or extent of the sexual violence. Few follow-up appointments were made with non-referred patients. On the basis of these results, two items were formulated for better detection of and attending to sexual violence problems: stimulating the GP to an open, inviting attitude as well as active continuation of questioning in the case of complaints with a signal value; and making a follow-up appointment for non-referred patients.