Introduction
It needs to be said that sexual assault is the topic that has been actively discussed over the last few years. It is described as an action with a body of a person that is performed without his or her agreement. It needs to be said that it is a tremendous problem that should not be disregarded, and it could lead to severe complications.
Search Strategy
The primary goal of this research project is to analyze the literature to determine the way sexual assault is to identify any patterns and other aspects that should not be disregarded. The sources will be chosen based on convenience because it is appropriate in this situation. Another purpose of this paper that should not be overlooked is to have a better understanding of what issues are viewed as the most important and if there is any similarity between the approaches that are suggested.
Literature Review
It needs to be said that the number of works on this topic is astounding, and many researchers want to draw attention to this issue. One of the critical problems that are frequently mentioned is that many individuals do not think that they need treatment, and do not want to allow medical examinations. The issue is that they believe that it would hurt their personal lives, and they would rather try to forget such incidents. It is necessary to note that many individuals have different reactions to sexual assault, but is should be understood that it is an offense that should be reported (Mason & Lodrick, 2013). It is imperative to note that the article titled “Male sexual assault” is especially interesting because the author raises the topic that is not frequently mentioned. It is believed that a man being abused is a rare occurrence, but the issue that is worth noting is that the number of incidents that are not reported is truly astounding. Trained professional should take necessary measures if there is any suspicion of male sexual assault, and it is paramount to make sure that this is perceived as a critical problem that is not overlooked (Porche, 2005). The article titled “Care of the Sexually Assaulted Woman” also needs to be discussed. It is imperative to say that the numbers that are listed at the start of the article are shocking. The fact that it is stated that close to 1 of 3 women have been victims of sexual assault is especially interesting and such numbers seem intriguing. It needs to be said that a definition of sexual assault should be understood because it includes a broad range of activities that can be performed against one’s will. It is paramount to note that a numerous programs have been developed to help survivors, and it is imperative to have an understanding of policies that are associated with such incidents (Wadsworth & Van Order, 2012). It is paramount to understand that sexual assault can happen in any environment, and the biggest issue that is worth noting is that many nurses are not ready to provide the treatment and their assistance. Symonds and Oldham (2014) suggest that it is even possible on the territory of health care institutions, and it is a critical issue that should not be overlooked because they should be regarded as incredibly safe (p. 30). It needs to be said that another issue that has been identified is that victims are often forced to have unprotected sex. It is imperative to note that it is incredibly risky and could lead to severe consequences if treatment is not provided. Unwanted pregnancy is also a crucial factor that should not be overlooked, and such situations can be hard to handle most of the time (O’Neal, Decker, Spohn, & Tellis, 2013). Also, another significant aspect that should not be overlooked is that it is paramount to understand that a prompt physical examination increases the possibility of positive legal outcomes because it is easier to prove the guilt (Wiley, Sugar, Fine, & Eckert, 2003). The fact that new technologies and techniques are being developed is essential because it would help to decrease the number of such incidents.
Patient-related Factors
It is necessary to say that individuals that have been victims of sexual assault are extremely likely to develop mental issues. It needs to be said that PTSD is especially problematic because it is quite common among those who suffered from traumatizing experiences. The fact that offenders are likely to be mentally unstable and have personal issues also should be taken into account. It needs to be said that several factors significantly increase the risks of being sexually assaulted. First of all, the biggest issue that should be noted is that abuse of alcohol because it reduces awareness and control of the situation. Mental disability is another factor that should not be disregarded, and it is paramount to make sure that such individuals are being monitored. It is paramount to mention that it is likely that patients would be incredibly depressed after such incidents, and it is paramount to access the risks that are associated with lethality because some individuals may be viewed as suicidal. Age is also a critical risk factor that should be taken into account, and it is imperative to make sure that young individuals are educated on this topic. It is paramount to understand that having numerous sexual partners is also incredibly dangerous, and the risk is increased significantly. It is imperative to say that social and community also should not be overlooked, and poverty and lack of education are especially problematic in most cases.
System Related Factors
The biggest issue that should be noted is that the number of incidents that are not reported is unacceptable. One of the core aspects that should not be overlooked is that a trained professional should be able to identify if there was an incident related to sexual abuse, and ask the patient a set of questions that would help t clarify the situation. It should be understood that it is a responsibility of a nurse to report such case. Also, it should be noted that it is necessary to create an environment where patients would not be afraid to voice their opinions. Every professional should have an understanding of what measures should be taken to make sure that a person that suffered from abuse feels safe and is provided with services of highest possible treatment. It should be noted that some patients may require individual approach, and this aspect should be taken into account in most situations. It is paramount to make sure that the population has an understanding of this issue, and know how to act in particular circumstances. It is paramount to say that such experience may be incredibly traumatizing, and it is necessary to guarantee that the information that is received stays confidential. It is also imperative to mention that aspects that are related to ethics should not be overlooked. Overall, it is paramount to develop a relationship the patient, and their participation in the process of treatment is also essential. It is paramount to understand if the treatment is successful, and if a follow-up and consultation are necessary.
Gaps in the Literature
It is paramount to note that several issues have been identified during the process of literature analysis. First of all, it should be said that not enough attention is devoted towards such problems as sexual violence against males and children. It needs to be said that the fact that the biggest number of victims are female should not be disregarded. However, a critical aspect that needs to be mentioned is that many health care professionals do not have an understanding of what course of actions should be taken in such situations because a different approach is necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is evident that sexual assault is a significant issue in the modern society that should not be disregarded. It needs to be said that an enormous number of cases could have been avoided if the population was educated on this issue, and had an understanding of measures that should be taken to reduce possible risks. Overall, it is paramount to say that the situation has been getting better over the years thanks to increased awareness to this problem.
References
Mason, F., & Lodrick, Z. (2013). Psychological consequences of sexual assault. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 27(1), 27-37.
O’Neal, E., Decker, S., Spohn, C., & Tellis, K. (2013). Condom use during sexual assault. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 20(6), 605-609.
Porche, D. (2005). Male sexual assault. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 1(4), 196-197.
Symonds, A., & Oldham, J. (2014). Sexual assault. Nurse Management, 45(5), 30-37.
Wadsworth, P., & Van Order, P. (2012). Care of the sexually assaulted woman. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 8(6), 433-440.
Wiley, J., Sugar, N., Fine, D., & Eckert, L. (2003). Legal outcomes of sexual assault. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 188(6), 1638-1641.