A Public Health Program for Sexually Assaulted Females

Women and girls are being sexually assaulted in large numbers and with increasing frequency, especially in large cities. Comprehensive health services for these often tragically neglected victims are needed in every community. Many health departments serving areas which had the highest rates for sexual assault in 1964 have indicated that they have no program to provide the needed emergency care and followup assistance. In September 1965 the District of Columbia Department of Public Health, which provides almost all emergency treatment for victims, initiated followup by public health nurses to determine if sexually assaulted females need psychiatric or further medical assistance. During the first 9 months of the program, 322 women and girls were seen and questioned by the police department, given an initial medical examination, and referred to the nursing bureau. Their ages ranged from 2 to 88 years; 24 percent were under 13 and 53 percent were under 17. Only 13 percent were white. The sexual incidents varied from forcible "gang" rape by strangers to incest with the father to imagined assault. Fourteen patients suffered severe trauma requiring emergency treatment, and four of these also required hospitalization. As a result of the assault, one 15-year-old became pregnant, one 4-year-old became infected with syphilis, and 13 other patients contracted gonorrhea. Thirteen patients became emotionally disturbed, and one of these attempted suicide. A total of 290 patients accepted the public health nurse followup service, and they were referred to various facilities and private physicians for psychiatric and medical evaluation and treatment. As of August 15, 1966, 73 percent of the appointments were kept. Still being followed by the nurses are 157 patients who need medical or psychiatric followup or who are being processed by the police or both.