Comprehensive Care of Patients Following Sexual Assault: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Services Provided by Forensic Nursing Programs

BACKGROUND: Standards for sexual assault care include forensic examination, medical evaluation, prophylaxis for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, crisis intervention, and referrals to supportive services. Care models have evolved, yet the current availability of care remains unclear. AIM: To describe and compare the availability of post-sexual assault care across forensic nursing programs with previously published data. METHODS: We used a cross-sectional survey to assess service provision among 104 programs in the United States and Canada. RESULTS: Comparing services offered every time to every patient with previously published data, we observed increased frequency of provision for 8 of 17 services. Offering HIV PEP, pregnancy information, pregnancy testing, and emergency contraception all increased. Only 40% of programs reported offering advocacy accompaniment during the exam to every patient every time. IMPLICATIONS: Provision of HIV and pregnancy prevention has increased significantly, demonstrating improved prevention following sexual assault. Low rates of advocacy accompaniment highlight the need to strengthen survivor‑centered supports.