Chapter 113 Adolescent Rape
Epidemiology
Some adolescents are at higher risk of being victims of rape than others (Table 113-1).
Table 113-1 ADOLESCENTS AT HIGH RISK OF RAPE VICTIMIZATION
MALE AND FEMALE ADOLESCENTS
Drug and alcohol use
Runaways
Intellectual disability or developmental delay
Street youths
Youths with a parental history of sexual abuse
PRIMARILY FEMALES
Survivors of prior sexual assault
Newcomers to a town or college
PRIMARILY MALES
Institutionalized settings (detention centers, prison)
Young male homosexuals
Types of Rape
Date rape (by a person dating the victim) is often drug facilitated and is prevalent in adolescent populations. Date rape drugs are pharmaceuticals administered in a clandestine manner to potential victims. γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), and ketamine hydrochloride are the leading agents used for these illegal purposes (Chapter 108). The pharmacologic properties of these drugs make them suitable for this use as they have simple modes of administration, are easily concealed (colorless, odorless, tasteless), have rapid onsets of action with resulting induction of anterograde amnesia, and have rapid eliminations due to short half-lives. Detection of these drugs requires a high index of suspicion and medical evaluation within 8-12 hr, prompting specific testing because routine toxicology screening is insufficient.
Male rape generally refers to same-sex rape of male teens by other males. Specific subgroups of young men are at high risk of being victims of rape (see Table 113-1). Male rape is most prevalent within institutional settings. Male rape that occurs outside of institutional settings typically involves coercion of the male teen by someone considered an authority figure, either male or female. Male rape victims often experience conflicted sexual identity whether or not they are homosexual. Issues of loss of control and powerlessness are particularly bothersome for male rape victims, and these young men commonly have symptoms of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation. Males are less likely than females to report rape and less likely to seek professional help.
Laboratory Data
The forensic evidence kit should be completed when clinically indicated and if the patient is evaluated within 72 hr of sexual assault. Additional laboratory studies required during initial evaluation are noted in Table 113-2. Follow-up evaluations should be scheduled to repeat these laboratory studies.
Table 113-2 LABORATORY DATA FOR EVALUATION OF RAPE VICTIMS
WITHIN 8-12 HR (IF INDICATED BY HISTORY)
Urine and blood for date rape drugs (GHB, Rohypnol, and ketamine)
WITHIN 72 HR
Forensic evidence kit
Urinalysis
Pregnancy test
Hepatitis B screen
Syphilis (RPR, VDRL)
Herpes simplex virus titers (I & II)
HIV
Wet mount for the detection of spermatozoa, Trichomonas vaginalis, and bacterial vaginosis
Cultures obtained based on history of physical contact for:
Oropharynx: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Rectal: N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia
Urethral (male): N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia
Endocervical (female): N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia
GHB, γ-hydroxybutyric acid; RPR, rapid plasma reagin; VDRL, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory.
Treatment
Medical treatment includes prophylaxis treatment for STIs (Chapter 114) and emergency contraception (Chapter 111.5). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the risk for acquiring STIs following a sexual assault in adults is 6-12% for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, 4-17% for Chlamydia trachomatis, and 0.5-3.0% for syphilis. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is recommended for adolescent rape victims due to the risk of acquiring an STI and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (Table 113-3). HIV postexposure prophylaxis should be considered and consultation with an infectious disease specialist sought if higher transmission risk factors are identified (e.g., knowing that the perpetrator is HIV-positive, significant mucosal injury of the victim) to prescribe a triple antiretroviral regimen. Clinicians should review the importance for patient’s compliance with medical and psychological treatment and follow-up.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae* |
* Prophylaxis is recommended for all three STIs.
† HIV postexposure prophylaxis is provided for patients with penetration and when the assailant is known to be HIV positive or at high risk due to a history of incarceration, intravenous drug use, or multiple sexual partners. If provided, follow-up must be arranged.
‡ Provided for patients with negative urine pregnancy screen. In addition, provide antiemetic (Compazine, Zofran) for patients receiving emergency contraception medication other than Plan B.
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