Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze demographic and event characteristics of
patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) for evaluation after sexual assault,
using a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner standardized database. Data were prospectively
collected as part of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program at an urban teaching
hospital. This study reviewed all ED patient records with a complaint of sexual assault
between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2004. Data were collected on 1172 patients;
92.6% were women, with a mean age of 27 years. The sample was 59.1% black, 38.6% white,
and 2.3% “Other.” Black victims of sexual assault were significantly more likely to
be young (25 years or less) than Whites. Over half (54%) reported involvement of drugs
or alcohol during the event. Fifty-three percent knew their assailant(s), and black
and young patients were significantly more likely to know the perpetrator(s). Threats
of force were common (72.4% of sample), and multiple assailants were uncommon (18.1%
of sample). Physical evidence of trauma was present in more than half (51.7%), with
increased rates among Whites and older persons. Multivariate analysis showed that
race, age, threats, and substance use during the event were independent risk factors
for evident trauma on physical examination. Survivors of sexual assault who present
to the ED are overwhelmingly female, relatively young, often know the perpetrator
of the event, and are likely to be threatened and show signs of physical trauma. Differences
between patients according to demographic and event characteristics may have important
implications for ED management and treatment plans.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 07, 2008
Accepted:
October 11,
2007
Received:
March 3,
2007
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
