The psychological impact of sexual assault: A study of female attenders of a sexual health psychology service

Abstract

Abstract Genitourinary clinics are often used as an early point of contact for individuals attending for medical screening following sexual assault. This paper describes the psychological impact of sexual assault in 32 women referred over a one year period to clinical psychology in an East London Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Women presented with complex histories of sexual abuse and assault and multiple psychological problems. Medical services need to be prepared to deal with the immediate and long-term effects of sexual assault and have access to professional psychological support.