Addressing the mental health of women after sexual assault: the role of follow-up care

Sexual assault is associated with debilitating mental health consequences, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, yet a significant gap exists within the literature around the care needed to address these consequences. As a result, this project seeks to answer the question: In adult women of childbearing age who have experienced a recent sexual assault, can access to post-assault follow-up care within two weeks of the assault decrease the prevalence and severity of PTSD and depression? Eligibility criteria for this literature review included research data published in 2004 or later regarding mental health follow-up care for adult women of childbearing age who have experienced sexual assault. The majority of participants within these primary studies included adult women of childbearing age from large urbanized areas. This review utilized an ecological framework that identified individual, personal relationship, community and societal influences that impact the mental health of women after sexual assault while highlighting multi-level strategies aimed at decreasing the emotional distress experienced by women. Utilizing a trauma informed approach to care that encompasses thorough assessment and action orientated care planning, preferably within two weeks of a sexual assault, was suggested to be important for coping with emotional and psychological trauma. Limitations of this project include the retrospective nature of the studies reviewed and their reliance on participant recall or provider documentation practices. Further research is needed to develop multi-level strategies that improve the mental health of women after sexual assault. --Leaf 2.