Description:
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In most countries there is a gap between the health care needs of victims of sexual violence and the existing level of health services provided in such cases. For instance, in many countries, victims of sexual violence are not examined by a specially trained medico-legal examiner or health care provider. In some cases, victims are subjected to multiple examinations in surroundings that do not meet minimum health standards. Moreover, until now (2003), published protocols or guidelines for health care professionals on the medical management of persons who have experienced sexual violence have not been widely available.
Treatment guidelines or protocols serve a number of valuable functions. In the case of the management of victims of sexual violence, guidelines can help national health systems improve the quality of treatment and support provided to victims of sexual violence; secondly, standard protocols can guide the process of forensic evidence collection; and thirdly, they can be a useful educational tool for health care professionals seeking to increase their capacity to provide an adequate level of care. |
