Care for female survivors of child sexual abuse in emergency departments

Abstract

Introduction: The health impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) continues into adulthood with such problems as depression, self-harm, suicide attempts; stress related disorders and addictions implicated. Emergency nurses can facilitate early intervention and direct people to appropriate help if they recognise the CSA survivor’s ‘common story’ described in this paper. Methods: Findings come from an on-going participatory action research program with women survivors of CSA aiming to build personal capacity for women and organizational capacity for service providers. Data collected by 1:1 interviews and fortnightly group meetings are transcribed, analysed and fed back to the women (n11) and service providers (n25) for reflection and action. Results: Recommendations include increasing staff awareness of impact of CSA; creating a culture of privacy and confidentiality that promotes safe disclosure; advocating sensitive responses; promoting client driven interactions/interventions that allow women to control potentially intrusive procedures; examining personal qualities of staff that assist client satisfaction; and provision of literature, websites and referral protocols identifying professional support and self-help resources, etc. Conclusion: This paper presents practical responses generated by women survivors of CSA to improve emergency care and reduce return visits for this concealed and needy client group.