Measures to prevent possible health consequences for survivors

We take the following measures to help prevent possible health consequences that may result from the sexual assault:

Counselling

We perform critical incident intervention counselling to determine whether the survivor wants us to provide them with post exposure prophylaxis (preventative medication). This enables us to start administering the medication as soon as possible to reduce the risk of them contracting HIV or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy. We partner with various NGOs to provide further appropriate counselling to survivors.

Measures to prevent possible health consequences for survivors

We take the following measures to help prevent possible health consequences that may result from the sexual assault:

HIV blood tests

Following pre-HIV test counselling, we perform blood tests to ascertain the patient’s HIV status, as that will determine further management. If the result is positive, the patient is referred to an HIV clinic for further HIV management.

Measures to prevent possible health consequences for survivors

We take the following measures to help prevent possible health consequences that may result from the sexual assault:

ARV and STD treatment

If the HIV test result is negative, the patient is provided with a full 28 day prophylactic antiretroviral course and repeat HIV blood tests are performed at the emergency department at intervals of six weeks, three months, six months and 12 months after the exposure. The morning after pill is also given to prevent possible pregnancy and a seven day course of antibiotics is provided to prevent possible sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).