Sexual violence and coercion, both within and outside of the family, put women at great risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS. In addition, there is a risk of pregnancy associated with sexual violence, although traditionally no information on this topic offered to the victims in Peru. For these reasons, sexual violence and coercion should be considered from a public health perspective. This presentation will discuss the current status of reproductive and sexual health care provided to women who have suffered sexual violence in Peru.
Evidence indicates that the lack of support mechanisms for rape victims acts as a deterrent to reporting sexual crimes. Those women who do decide to report sexual crimes must face police officers, usually male, who have little or no training in how to deal with such cases. In many instances, police officers also have prejudices that can make reporting sexual crimes disadvantageous for victims. Medical examiners are equally untrained in how to approach rape victims.
Generally, the law only provides for the intervention of a physician in order to verify whether or not the reported act took place, while treatment for the resulting health problems and/or possible pregnancy are seen as the private responsibility of the victim. The existing legal framework focuses on increasing the sanctions against perpetrators, and extensive reforms are needed to guarantee adequate health services for victims (including reproductive, sexual, and psychological health), as well as guarantee their fundamental rights.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss how the existing policy environment negatively affects the treatment of rape victims in Peru. 2. Identify policies and interventions that would improve the treatment of victims of sexual crimes in Peru
Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Sexual Assault
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.