'They made a hard day feel a little easier': Patients' experiences of an integrated crisis response following recent sexual assault.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Sexual assault services in New South Wales (NSW), Australia provide crisis support from a counsellor working with a forensically trained doctor, or nurse, providing medical care and the option of forensic examination. The aim of this paper is to gain an understanding of the experience of recent sexual assault victim-survivors who accessed one of these 24-hour services.

Method: A feedback questionnaire was offered to victim-survivors on completion of the integrated crisis response. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results: Results demonstrate that the patients' experiences were positive, with 98% (279/284) recommending a friend that is in the same situation to access the service. Most found the examination reassuring 75% (202) or OK 20% (54), with only 2% (6) reporting it as traumatising and 3% (7) other. Many said the service was not visible enough. Only 4% of patients were referred from general practitioners (GPs).

Discussion: The service provided a positive experience for victim-survivors but needs to be more visible. GPs might benefit from increased knowledge of services and referral pathways available to victim-survivors of sexual assault.