According to new estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), one-third of women worldwide will experience violence in their lifetimes; an estimated 7.2% of women will be sexually assaulted by a stranger and many more (23-36%, depending on region) will experience unwanted sex from an intimate partner. To add to the physical and psychological trauma of rape, victims of sexual violence also risk unwanted pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.
Sexually assaulted women (and men) require a range of emotional, psychological, and medical care. Medical services for post-rape care should include prophylaxis against STIs, including HIV, and emergency contraception (EC) to reduce the risk of pregnancy. While HIV prophylaxis is often provided, EC is not so frequently offered, despite the fact that the risk of pregnancy is higher than the risk of HIV. Emergency contraception must be readily available in emergency care facilities as both a human rights and public health imperative.
Извор: WUNRN – 26.12.2013
