Sexually transmitted diseases and rape: the experience of a sexual assault centre

Epidemiological data and rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are presented from a group of 90 women screened following rape. Forty-eight (53%) women knew their assailant. In 6 cases multiple assailants were involved. In 21 (23%) rapes weapons were used. Of 47 women examined within 48 hours of rape, 17 (36%) had evidence of genital trauma. Anal injury was common (8 of 11, 73%) in those reporting anal intercourse. Anal assault (17 of 90, 19%) and oral assault (16 of 90, 18%) commonly accompanied rape. STDs were diagnosed in 13 (14.4%) women, 3 having mixed infections. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated in 2 women, Chlamydia trachomatis in 7, Trichomonas vaginalis in 6, genital warts in 2 and Pediculosis pubis in 2 women. Five of 16 cervical cytology results showed abnormalities, 2 were suggestive of CIN. Eleven of 13 women with an STD (84.6%) had been sexually active within the 3 months prior to the rape. Previous sexual activity may be the most relevant factor determining those most at risk of harbouring an STD.