Summaries of Must-Read Clinical Literature, Guidelines, and FDA Actions

Sexual Assault by an Intimate Partner

Obstet Gynecol; 2016 Mar; Seyller, Denis, et al

Publish date:: March 29, 2016

Higher rates of extragenital trauma and similar rates of psychologic trauma are associated with sexual assault by an intimate partner and should be viewed as seriously as assault by other assailants. This according to a study of 767 females aged >15 years who were examined at a sexual assault referral center; 294 of whom attended follow-up consultation. Researchers found:

• Simultaneous physical and sexual assaults were more frequent in intimate partner assaults than in assaults by unknown individuals or acquaintances (55% vs 31% and 32%, respectively).

• Psychological trauma was noted in 92% of the patients and was evenly distributed among the 3 groups 1 month after the initial examination.

• Reaction from family members (lack of support) was similar for victims assaulted by intimate partners and other victims.

Citation: Seyller M, Denis C, Dang C, et al. Intimate partner sexual assault: traumatic injuries, psychological symptoms, and perceived social reactions. Obstet Gynecol; 2016;127(3):516-526. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001288.

Commentary: The majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone who is known to the victim, often within the context of a long-term relationship.¹ This study shows that general physical trauma is actually more common in the context of sexual abuse by a known assailant than from an unknown assailant. The study also shows important psychological consequences of sexual assault including a high prevalence of sleep disorder, PTSD and depression. —Neil Skolnik, MD

1. Macdowall W, Gibson LJ, Tanton C, Mercer CH, Lewis R, Clifton S, et al. Lifetime prevalence, associated factors, and circumstances of non-volitional sex in women and men in Britain: findings from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3). Lancet. 2013;382:1845–55.

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