Citation

Sacks RJ, Cybulska BA, Forster GE. Int. J. STD AIDS 2008; 19(8): 557-558.

Affiliation

The Haven Whitechapel, 9 Brady Street, Whitechapel, London E1 5DG, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1258/ijsa.2008.008050

PMID

18663045

Abstract

Mental health issues following sexual assault in young people are common but early intervention may improve outcome. A retrospective case-note review of 58 female patients aged between 13 and 18 attending The Haven Whitechapel, a sexual assault referral centre, demonstrated past emotional problems in 72% of those seen, and current emotional problems in 95% of those being followed up. Fifteen percent were already involved with adolescent mental health services (AMHS). All patients requiring and not already receiving input were referred to AMHS or in-house. Of 23 patients referred to AMHS, eight (35%) were accepted and the patients attended, seven (30%) were accepted but did not attend, six (26%) were declined and the outcome of two referrals was unknown. The prevalence of emotional problems and inconsistent referral outcomes demonstrate a need for closer links with AMHS, clearer referral criteria and improved referral pathways.

Language: en