4.3.3.2 Treatment Overview

In addition to treatment for physical injuries and forensic evidence collection, the survivor needs to receive medical treatment of three key varieties:

1. Antibiotics to reduce the risk of sexually-transmitted infections,

2. Antiretrovirals to reduce the risk of HIV transmission, and

3. Emergency contraception to reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Additionally, if the survivor suspects they may have been drugged, blood work will need to be done.

The sooner these laboratory tests are done, the better, as drugs can metabolize very quickly through the body.

Survivors may ask if they will be tested for sexually-transmitted infections as part of the forensic exam, and generally, the answer is no. This is because it’s too soon for these tests to result in a positive.

Bacterial sexually-transmitted infections can be prevented with antibiotics, which can be given by injection or pill.

HIV transmission may not always be a concern, but if the healthcare provider determines that the survivor is at risk, they will prescribe a course of antiretrovirals to reduce the likelihood of infection.

Emergency contraception prevents a fertilized egg from implanting and will not harm an existing pregnancy. It’s also very safe for breastfeeding women to take.

It’s important for a survivor to understand that emergency contraception does not prevent sexually-transmitted infections or HIV.

It’s necessary that the survivor follows the full course of treatment provided to them.

The healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up visit for testing for sexually-transmitted infections, HIV and pregnancy after some time has passed.

It may be helpful for you to arrange to be present for this visit as well.