Sexual assault on the adolescent female.

Abstract

Sexual assault on the adolescent female poses difficult and complicated issues for both the victim and the care providers. The victim's age, developmental stage, coping style, support system, and previous history influence her ability to cope with the immediate and long‐term effects of the rape. Suggestions are given for conducting the initial interview and protocols for the rape counseling team are given. The importance of the victim's support system (family, significant other) and peer group is also discussed.