Sexual Health | Sexual assault/abuse and medicolegal issues | Sexual assault and exploitation in adults

Sexual assault and exploitation in adults
Session overview
Description
This session introduces the topic of sexual assault and rape of men and women, providing information as to the background, features of assault and the law. It also considers sexual exploitation and issues surrounding vulnerable adults.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• define sexual assault, rape and assault by penetration
• identify the issues associated with sexual assault and rape
• describe and recognise sexual exploitation
• outline the issues for adults at risk

Sexual assault and rape are common, affecting anyone, in any society. However, all the available evidence suggests that there is significant under reporting [1](read details regarding the reference) [2](read details regarding the reference), for example, some estimates suggest that 1 in 4 women have experienced some sort of sexual assault since the age of 16 years.

Since many will present for help in a clinical setting, it is essential you have knowledge about these issues, so that you may recognise and manage the individual, in a non-judgmental and sensitive way.

Important Colleagues completing this module may have personal experience of sexual assault and so the content may be upsetting. Please remember there is always someone available at your local sexual assault referral centre (SARC). Details can be found on the NHS website: Help after rape and sexual assault (see the Links section in Resources).

The session begins by looking at the definitions associated with sexual assault. It then moves on to look at the issues associated with assault and exploitation. Finally, the protection of vulnerable adults is discussed.