2. Unit objectives
• Define sexual assault
• To describe the regional and national
magnitude of sexual assault
• To discuss the consequences of sexual assault
• To describe the role of health service
providers in managing young people who
have been sexually assaulted
3. DEFINITIONS
• Sexual Assault: (synonymous with sexual violence); is
a term covering a wide range of activities, including
rape / forced sex, indecent assault and sexually
obsessive behaviour
• Sexual assault is defined as ‘any sexual act, attempt to
obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or
advances, or acts to traffic women’s sexuality, using
coercion, threats of harm or physical force, by any
person, regardless of the relationship with the victim,
in any setting, including but not limited to home,
school, prison, the streets and at work’. (World Health
Organisation 2003)
4. RAPE
• Rape is defined as “physical forced or otherwise
coerced penetration – even if slightly – of the vulva
or anus, using a penis, other body parts or an
object” (World Health Organisation 2003)Defilement
is unlawful sexual intercourse with a young person
below the age of 14 years.
5. What are your personal
experiences on the magnitude of
sexual abuse
6. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE
PROBLEM OF SEXUAL
ABUSE IN YOUNG PEOPLE
Aim of the session
• To discuss the factors contributing to the
problem of sexual abuse in young people
7. GROUP WORK
• Factors contributing to sexual abuse along the
following lines:
– Biological
– Social
– Cultural
– Behavioural
– Economic
8. Consequences of Sexual Abuse in Young
People
Aim of the session
To describe consequences of sexual abuse in
young people
9. Health Consequences of Sexual Abuse
• Unwanted pregnancy
• Unsafe abortion
• STIs including HIV/AIDS
• Sexual dysfunction
• Infertility
• Pelvic pain and urinary tract infections
10. Genital Injuries
• Typical genital injuries include
• Tears
• Ecchymosis.
• Abrasions, redness and swelling of the genitalia
• In women genital injuries are most likely seen in
the posterior fourchette, labia minor the hymen
and fossa navicularisIn men injuries are generally
located around the anus and perineum
12. HOW ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN
ASSAULTED CURRENTLY DEALT
WITH?
Group work
13. WHAT SHOULD HEALTH SERVICE
PROVIDERS DO TO DEAL WITH
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN
SEXUALLY ABUSED?
Brainstorming activity
14. GROUP DISCUSSION
What do you think is your role in managing a
young person who has been sexually
assaulted?
15. Summary
Role of Health Workers:
• Screening to rule out complications such as physical injury,
STIs, if screening reveals evidence on sexual abuse, report the
matter to police.
• Treat complications such as physical injuries, bruises, STIs if
any.
• Counselling to reduce feelings of guilt, self blame ,shock and
fear
• Referral for other services e.g. PEP, emergency contraception
and psychosocial counselling.
• Linkage to other support centres e.g. legal services, victim
support unit, law enforcers, human rights organizations,
livelihood programs, and life skills.
16. Role of Health Service Providers:
• Follow up client by home visiting or outreach services.
• Increase awareness among young people especially boys,
parents and the entire community on the effects of sexual
abuse.
• Sensitize other service providers (untrained) on the prevalence
of sexual abuse and how to handle sexually abused young
people.
• Conducting operational research to improve quality of
management of sexually abused young people.
• Advocacy for stiffer punishment of perpetrators of sexual
abuse and reporting of sexual abuse to police.
• Sensitizing parents to be on the look out and observe
symptoms of sexual abuse in their children and report to police
once evidence is made available.
