Sexual and gynecological health in women with a history of sexual violence: the role of the gynecologist

Abstract

Objectives: Sexual violence is defined as any sexual act, attempt to commit a sexual act or unwanted sexual comment or action which, by means of force or coercion, is directed against a person’s sexuality, regardless of the relationship with the victim. The global prevalence of sexual violence all over the world is 35.6%; 30% partner-related and 7.2% non-partner sexual violence, being the prevalence of sufferers from both types of sexual violence 1.6%. Sexual violence against girls and women is a global public health problem of epidemic proportions. As a violence free life constitutes a basic human right, actions to prevent sexual violence and to treat and follow-up its victims have to be undertaken. Mechanism: A multidisciplinary approach on these cases should be mandatory to help women in all the potential short-, mid- and long-term consequences, which need to be evaluated. Finding in brief: Consequences after sexual violence can be both physical and psychological, including a potential impact on gynecological, reproductive, obstetric and sexual issues of the individual. For this reason, gynecologists should play an important role in the follow-up of girls and women who have suffered sexual violence. Conclusions: Gynecologists have to participate in both the immediate attention and the follow-up of patients who have suffered sexual violence. Gynecologists have the gold opportunity to introduce sexual health care in their clinical practice and their visits should be the place where the discussion of sexual concerns is permitted and also where the identification, support and treatment of women with sexual violence is provided.