Sexual assault: the role of the advanced practice nurse in identifying and treating victims

Sexual assault is the fastest growing crime in the United States with an estimate that one in four women will be sexually assaulted before she reaches 18 years of age. Nevertheless, only 1 in 10 rapes is reported to law enforcement authorities. Although victims face cross-generational and long-term physical, emotional, cognitive, sexual, and spiritual damage, they seldom share this history unless directly questioned by a clinician. This article reviews the rapidly growing body of literature on sexual assault and the negative health effects on female victims and their families. Sexual assault is defined, incidence is discussed, the aftermath is explored, and the roles of advanced practice nurses are examined.