4.3.4.9 Internal Exam

A physician will likely need to perform an internal exam to ensure there are no injuries.

This is a very sensitive part of the process, and it’s important to remember that the steps of an internal exam can feel, to the survivor, like a repeat of the sexual assault.

Do your best to work with the survivor and the healthcare provider to navigate the strong feelings that will likely come up.

Ensure that consent is given and maintained at each step of the process and support the survivor using the communications skills you have learned.