Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices
This study addresses the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the context of sexual assault. Post-exposure prophylaxis serves as a critical intervention to reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and unintended pregnancies for victim-survivors. Immediate access...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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AOSIS
2025-06-01
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| Series: | South African Family Practice |
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| Online Access: | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/6073 |
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| author | Mergan Naidoo Ramprakash Kaswa Indiran Govender |
| author_facet | Mergan Naidoo Ramprakash Kaswa Indiran Govender |
| author_sort | Mergan Naidoo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study addresses the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the context of sexual assault. Post-exposure prophylaxis serves as a critical intervention to reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and unintended pregnancies for victim-survivors. Immediate access to PEP, emergency contraception and comprehensive medical assessments is essential for effective care. The study outlines the steps healthcare providers must take, including timely administration of prophylaxis, monitoring for side effects and offering psychosocial support to victim-survivors. It emphasises the need for follow-up visits to ensure ongoing care and the importance of implementing risk-reduction strategies until final infection outcomes are confirmed. Additionally, the role of standardised documentation, such as the J88 form, is highlighted for collecting evidence in cases of sexual violence, ensuring that healthcare practitioners understand their responsibilities in promoting justice. The study underscores the social obligation of healthcare professionals to combat gender-based violence, advocating for reporting mechanisms for child victims and appropriate referral pathways for positive test results. By prioritising the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors, the healthcare community can significantly contribute to their recovery and empowerment, ultimately fostering a supportive environment that addresses both medical and emotional needs following sexual assault. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cdc9d01369b24fb29989d49e3be69fea |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2078-6190 2078-6204 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | AOSIS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | South African Family Practice |
| spelling | doaj-art-cdc9d01369b24fb29989d49e3be69fea2025-08-20T03:43:58ZengAOSISSouth African Family Practice2078-61902078-62042025-06-01671e1e510.4102/safp.v67i1.60734951Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practicesMergan Naidoo0Ramprakash Kaswa1Indiran Govender2Department of Family Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanDepartment of Family Medicine and Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, MthathaDepartment of Family Medicine and Rural Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, MthathaThis study addresses the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in the context of sexual assault. Post-exposure prophylaxis serves as a critical intervention to reduce the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and unintended pregnancies for victim-survivors. Immediate access to PEP, emergency contraception and comprehensive medical assessments is essential for effective care. The study outlines the steps healthcare providers must take, including timely administration of prophylaxis, monitoring for side effects and offering psychosocial support to victim-survivors. It emphasises the need for follow-up visits to ensure ongoing care and the importance of implementing risk-reduction strategies until final infection outcomes are confirmed. Additionally, the role of standardised documentation, such as the J88 form, is highlighted for collecting evidence in cases of sexual violence, ensuring that healthcare practitioners understand their responsibilities in promoting justice. The study underscores the social obligation of healthcare professionals to combat gender-based violence, advocating for reporting mechanisms for child victims and appropriate referral pathways for positive test results. By prioritising the health and wellbeing of victim-survivors, the healthcare community can significantly contribute to their recovery and empowerment, ultimately fostering a supportive environment that addresses both medical and emotional needs following sexual assault.https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/6073sexual assaultpost-exposure prophylaxisnational guidelinesvictim-survivors |
| spellingShingle | Mergan Naidoo Ramprakash Kaswa Indiran Govender Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices South African Family Practice sexual assault post-exposure prophylaxis national guidelines victim-survivors |
| title | Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices |
| title_full | Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices |
| title_fullStr | Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices |
| title_full_unstemmed | Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices |
| title_short | Post-exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim-survivors: Guidelines and best practices |
| title_sort | post exposure prophylaxis for sexual assault victim survivors guidelines and best practices |
| topic | sexual assault post-exposure prophylaxis national guidelines victim-survivors |
| url | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/6073 |
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