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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Stacey Plichta, ScD, School of Community Health Professions, Old Dominion University, College of Health Sciences, Norfolk, VA 23529, 757-683-4989, splichta@odu.edu, Anita Boykins, DNSc, APRN, BC, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, P.O. Box 980567, Richmond, VA 23298, Anika A. H. Alvanzo, MD, MS, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1200 East Broad Street, 10th Floor, P.O. Box 980306, Richmond, VA 23298-0306, Susan Carson, RN, FNE, Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980401, Richmond, VA 23298-0401, Janett Forte, MSW, LCSw, Institute for Women's Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, 9000 Stony Point Parkway, P.O. Box 980304, Richmond, VA 23298-0304, and Monica Leisey, MSW, PhD(c), School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842027, Richmond, VA 23298.

Purpose: This study examines assault characteristics of sexual assault victims and potential disparities in characteristics and care.

Methods: The medical records of all 186 female patients presenting to the forensic unit of the ED for sexual assault or sexual battery in 2003-2004 were reviewed.

Results: Overall, 55% were African-American, 45% were White/other and the mean age was 30.43 (range 19-85). Most (81%) involved a single assailant, who was known 50% of the time. A weapon was used in 32% of the cases. Assaults occurred most often in a home/home-like setting (68%). Substance use was noted in 50% of the victims. About 40% of arrived to the ED by EMS, 20% by police and 40% on their own. Police were notified in virtually all cases. Consent for the exam was obtained for 89% of the cases and counseling offered for 85%.

There were no significant ethnic differences in any care characteristics. There were no differences in number of assailants and the assailant being known. Some areas of disparity were noted: weapons were much more likely to be used in assaults involving African-American women (43% vs. 20%), the assault was less likely to occur in the home (62% vs. 79%) and differences in patterns of substance use exist.

Conclusions: Forensic care needs to address issues of mental health, injury, substance use and prevention of future assaults. This care needs to be culturally competent and culturally specific to help eliminate disparities due to assault characteristics.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Understand the characteristics of women who seek care for sexual assault.
• Articulate issues of care of particular concern to African-American victims.

Keywords: Sexual Assault, Emergency Department/Room

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation