Report of the FIGO Working Group on Sexual Violence/HIV: Guidelines for the management of female survivors of sexual assault

Abstract

Objective To review the evidence and provide guidelines on the management of sexual violence against women, specifically, rape. Outcomes Outcomes evaluated include effectiveness of post-rape care provision. Evidence The MEDLINE database was searched for articles published up to December 2008 on the topic of post-rape care and expert opinion was sought from the Sexual Violence Research Initiative membership. In addition, a search was performed for English-language protocols on Google. One Spanish language protocol was considered in the development of the guidelines. Values The evidence was evaluated by authors and reviewers of the South African Department of Health’s sexual assault curriculum, and by members of the FIGO Working Group and recommendations were made according to the guidelines developed by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Benefits, Harms, and Costs Implementation of the recommendations in this Guideline should result in more appropriate management of survivors of sexual violence and better physical and psychological outcomes.