Improving emergency department care of the sexual assault victin

Victims of sexual assault face the multiple threats of disease, unwanted pregnancy, psychological trauma, and physical injury, which are further complicated by a comprehensive police investigation. An organized approach to the care of victims of sexual assault is presented, including guidelines for patient care and a discussion of police investigations, written consent forms, and physical evidence recovery kits. We recommend that the care of victims, from arrival in the emergency department until rehabilitation, be coordinated by a nurse. This specially trained individual serves as a liaison between the patient and the health professionals and police team.