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# Rape
## What is rape?
Forced sex, sex that is not wanted or agreed to, is rape. Women or
girls may be raped by strangers but most often it is by people they
know, including family members, their husbands or boyfriends. Men
and boys are also raped.
## Care: emotion, contraception, STI, injury
A person who has been raped will need first aid for any physical
injuries. Emotional support and care is also very important. Treat
people who have been raped with kindness and understanding, do not
blame them.
Emotional support
Rape can cause pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive pills or the right
dose of some types of birth control pills can prevent pregnancy if
taken within 5 days of sex. Rape can also spread sexually
transmitted infections (STIs). Health workers can provide medicines
that treat STIs and prevent HIV after rape.
contraceptives
Medicines for STIs
Someone who was raped may find it difficult for you to see or touch
their body, so explain what you will be doing as you begin each step
of your examination or treatment. Ask for permission each time
before touching.
If the anus or genitals have tears, cuts, or bruises, these will be
painful. Give paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. If there is
a lot of bleeding in the anus or vagina, show how to use pressure to
stop it, in case bleeding starts again later.
For small cuts and tears, soak in warm water 3 times a day. Pouring
water over the genitals while passing urine may help reduce
discomfort. Larger cuts or tears may need to be sutured.
stitches
## Documenting injuries
Documenting injuries
Mark down all the injuries that you find (for example, with a list
and X-marks on an outline drawing of a body, front and back). If you
have permission, take photographs. These can help you see how
injuries are healing when you follow up. They can also be used as
proof that violence or a crime took place.
Look for injuries to other areas of the body as well. See other
parts of this chapter to treat specific problems. A record of the
physical exam and any injuries is necessary if the case is reported
to the police, even if a decision to go to the police is not made
until much later.
## Follow-up
Follow up with the person after a few days to see how they are doing
emotionally and physically. Check cuts or tears for signs of
infection. Bladder infections are especially common for women after
forced or violent sex. Pain or a burning sensation while passing
urine, and feeling like you need to pass urine very often, are common
signs of bladder infection.
infection
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