MEDICAL CARE AFTER ASSAULT
After an assault, your health, safety, and wellbeing are the priority.
Even if you do not have visible injuries, seeking medical care as soon as possible is important. Medical professionals can assess your health, treat injuries, help prevent infections and pregnancy, collect forensic evidence, and connect you with counselling and support services.
Remember: You can receive medical care whether or not you choose to report the incident to the police.
WHY MEDICAL CARE MATTERS
Seeking medical attention after an assault can help to:
- Treat physical injuries
- Assess your overall health and wellbeing
- Prevent HIV infection through Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
- Prevent or treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Prevent an unwanted pregnancy through emergency contraception
- Prevent Hepatitis B infection where appropriate
- Collect forensic evidence that may be used in a criminal investigation
- Provide emotional support and counselling referrals
Many injuries are not immediately visible, and trauma can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.
The sooner you seek medical care, the more options may be available to you.
HIV POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP)
What Is PEP?
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication that can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV after possible exposure. PEP is available to survivors of sexual assault and rape.
When Must PEP Be Started?
PEP should be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours (3 days) of the assault.
The earlier PEP is started, the more effective it is.
After 72 hours, PEP is generally no longer effective at preventing HIV infection.
How Long Is Treatment?
PEP must be taken every day for 28 days.
It is important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
Possible Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach discomfort
Most side effects are manageable and temporary.
If side effects become severe, speak to a healthcare professional.
Follow-Up Testing
You may be asked to return for follow-up HIV testing after the assault to monitor your health and treatment outcomes.
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION
If there is a risk of pregnancy following sexual assault, emergency contraception may be available.
Emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy if taken within the recommended time period after the assault. The sooner it is taken, the more effective it may be.
A healthcare professional can explain:
- Available options
- Timeframes for use
- Possible side effects
- Follow-up care
If you are concerned about pregnancy, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
STI PREVENTION & TREATMENT
Sexual assault can expose survivors to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A healthcare professional may provide:
- STI screening
- Preventative medication
- Treatment where necessary
- Follow-up testing
Some STIs may not show symptoms immediately, which is why follow-up care is important.
Common STIs include:
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- Syphilis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
Medical staff will advise on any tests, medications, or follow-up appointments that may be required.
HEPATITIS B PREVENTION
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids.
Depending on your circumstances and vaccination history, a healthcare professional may recommend:
- Hepatitis B vaccination
- Preventative treatment
- Follow-up testing
If you are unsure whether you have previously been vaccinated, speak to the medical team assisting you.
FORENSIC EXAMINATION
A forensic examination is a specialised medical examination performed after a sexual assault or rape.
The purpose is to:
- Assess and treat injuries
- Document medical findings
- Collect forensic evidence
- Support possible legal proceedings
The examination is conducted by a trained healthcare professional.
What Happens During the Examination?
The healthcare provider may:
- Ask questions about what happened
- Check for injuries
- Collect DNA evidence
- Collect blood, urine, saliva, hair, or other samples where necessary
- Record medical findings
- Provide treatment and medication
You can ask questions during the process and should be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect.
Important
If possible, before the examination, avoid:
- Bathing or showering
- Washing your hands
- Brushing your teeth
- Changing your clothing
If you have already done any of these things, you should still seek medical care and report the incident if you wish to do so. Evidence may still be available.
WHAT IS A J88 FORM?
A J88 is an official South African medico-legal form completed by a healthcare professional after examining a survivor of assault or sexual violence.
The form records:
- Physical injuries
- Medical findings
- Evidence collected during the examination
- Information that may assist in criminal proceedings
- The J88 form can become important evidence if a criminal case proceeds to court.
- The original form is submitted as part of the official investigation process and should remain in the police docket.
- You may request information about the examination and ask questions about the findings recorded.