FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION:
Rape is just unwanted sex, isn’t it? |
Policy Statement: Access to Best Care following Sexual AssaultVictims of sexual assault experience acute psychological trauma, acute physical injury, and are vulnerable to chronic stress-related health problems due to ongoing violence or other re-victimization. Some research maintain that that sexual assault is more likely to result in post-traumatic stress disorder than other kinds of traumatic experiences (Frasier et al., 1997); and one-third of victims of sexual assault experience at least one major depressive episode after their victimization (National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). This wide-ranging impact makes access to the best care imperative.The Alliance firmly believes that all victims of sexual assault should have equal access to care. This includes the services from hospitals, rape crisis centers, child advocacy centers, the criminal justice system, and/or follow-up care. In order to make care accessible, there needs to be an adequate number of acute care treatment facilities in all five boroughs and a system in place to ensure that victims get to the specialized centers. Presently within New York City, the State Department of Health recognizes 11 hospitals as SAFE Centers of Excellence. SAFE Centers utilize specially trained medical care providers for the medical/forensic examinations in addition to providing on-site support for the victim. New York City requires a system of transport to ensure that all rape victims have equal access to SAFE centers. Accessible care also applies to short and long-term follow-up services. The New York State Department of Health funds 17 rape crisis programs in New York City. Rape crisis programs and child advocacy centers provide emotional support in the aftermath of the crime and free, specialized counseling and advocacy to both recent rape and sexual abuse victims and those that were abused but never previously sought assistance. Follow-up care should be in close proximity to where a victim resides and have the capacity to serve victims whose primary language is not English. There is an obvious need to inform the public that treatment at a SAFE center is preferred to a hospital that has no specialized care. Additionally, the public needs to know about the free follow-up services provided by rape crisis programs. A large-scale public service campaign is necessary to address this need. < -- Previous Policy Statement | Next Policy Statement --> |
Featured Artist:
Regina Lafay
Audience members at the Alliance screening of the EVC youth documentary "It’s Not About Sex"
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