Citation

Boykins AD, Mynatt S. Issues Ment. Health Nurs. 2007; 28(8): 867-881.

Affiliation

Loewenberg School of Nursing, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee 38152, USA. aboykins@memphis.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01612840701493394

PMID

17729171

Abstract

The purpose of this comparative descriptive study is to describe and examine differences in assault characteristics and the issues surrounding follow-up contact of women survivors of a recent sexual assault. This study identified assault characteristics: half of the assaults were by strangers; approximately one-third of the assaults occurred in the victim's home; 29% of the victims were abducted; weapons and physical force were used in over half of the cases; 63% were vaginal assaults; and 86% involved penile penetration. Three months after the assault and the initial examination, only 23% (n = 18) of the study participants could be contacted by telephone for follow-up. The study's findings provide not only data regarding the characteristics of sexual assault, but also the difficulties in contacting adult female survivors for follow-up services. Recommendations outline the importance of thorough, individualized examinations and the need for improved, timely, follow-up services for sexual assault victims.

Language: en