Rape survivors and the provision of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
Killian, S.; Suliman, S.; Fakier, N.; Seedat, S.
South African Medical Journal 97(8): 585-586
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 17952214 Document Number: 607331
This study was a retrospective analysis of rape survivors presenting to Karl Bremer Rape Centre (South Africa) over a 6-month period (January-June 2005). 363 confirmed cases of female rape were identified through chart review, with a mean age of 23.2 years. There was clinical evidence of alcohol use in more than a quarter of rape survivors (N=102) and clinical evidence of drugs in about 2% (N=7). Notably, in 50 reported cases (14%) 2 or more perpetrators were involved, with the number of perpetrators ranging from 1 to 8. The vast majority of perpetrators were not known to the survivor (N=112; 31%), and in 4% of cases (N=14) a familial relationship (the rapist being a parent, sibling, cousin, step-sibling, uncle) existed. More than a third of women had sustained genital (N=128; 35%) or other physical injuries (N=93; 26%). Approximately 13% (N=47) tested HIV positive (on the initial Rapid Test) and 18 patients (5%) tested positive for pregnancy. Perpetrators used a condom in only 6% of cases (N=22). Only 12 women (3.4%) reported for a follow-up assessment at the clinic within a 3-month period. The findings are significant when considering the potential impact of post-exposure prophylaxis provision and post-rape care on health services, as well as on police and related services. The study showed that women particularly valued the availability of HIV prophylaxis and a sensitive health care provider who could provide counselling, and that women were willing to travel further to clinics for counselling, rigorous examination and HIV prophylaxis.