Immediate care for victims of sexual violence: Number 9 - 2025

Prompt care for victims of sexual violence is essential in the implementation of measures to prevent pregnancy resulting from violence and sexually transmitted infections, and to assess and monitor serological follow-up and gather evidence for possible criminal proceedings. In the absence of a referral service, any health service should take the appropriate initial measures and refer the victim to the referral service (if there is one) as quickly as possible. Referral services for immediate care for victims of sexual violence allow victims to be followed up for a longer period of time. However, acute care should be provided by any health unit to avoid care delays. There is no need for any legal complaint or registration of a police report for providing healthcare to victims of sexual violence. However, victims should be informed about their right to report the assault at any time, so an appropriate legal and police investigation can be carried out. It is important to address this topic during medical care. All services providing care to victims of sexual violence must be open and receiving victims continuously, without the need for other health units or a police authority. Obstetrician/gynecologists are often the professionals responsible for caring for victims of sexual violence and must be familiar with the initial care protocols for these patients.