The evaluation and treatment of the sexually assaulted patient

There are several significant problems encountered in treating the assault victim in the Emergency Department setting. In a busy Emergency Department, the patient who has been assaulted may be prioritized behind other patients with more significant life-threatening illnesses or injuries. The delay in treatment that ensues may aggravate the emotional trauma already experienced. Additionally, the legal and technical aspects involved in the evaluation and subsequent testimony may erect a psychological barrier on the part of the physician or nurse. This article provides guidelines and handling all of the above problems with regard to the sexually assaulted patient.