Rape and sexual assault

Sexual violence is a global problem. The lifetime risk of attempted or completed rape is up to 20% for women, but men and children are also often sexually violated.1 Sequelae include unwanted pregnancies; sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; depression; and post-traumatic stress disorder. Most of the literature on rape and sexual assault is retrospective, but we aim to provide an evidence based review of their management. #### Summary points #### Sources and selection criteria We searched Medline using the term “sexual assault”. We also took account of the Cochrane review of interventions for emergency contraception and for trauma related symptoms and the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder. Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and national and World Health Organization guidelines were also considered. We searched our personal archives of references and consulted experts. Anyone can be sexually assaulted but some people are especially vulnerable, such as adolescents and young women, people with disabilities, poor and homeless people, sex workers, and those living in institutions or areas of conflict.1 Consumption of alcohol is commonly linked with sexual assault,2 although covert administration of drugs …

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