NCJ Number
134553
Date Published
1991
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews the literature on counseling rape victims on HIV testing and presents the issues and a sample protocol based on guidelines from the Center for Disease Control.
Abstract
Although there are no data available on risk levels for AIDS among sexual assault victims, victim counselors should develop strategies to assist victims and their families. Such strategies must be based on an understanding of current medical, psychosocial, and legal implications of HIV infection in the aftermath of sexual assault. Depending on individual State legislation or hospital protocol, HIV testing may be a part of the emergency department procedures, or it may require the victim's consent. In either case, testing should be preceded by counseling that provides accurate and complete information on the test, supplies information on false-positive and false-negative test results, explains the modes of HIV transmission, discusses risk-reduction behaviors, addresses implications of test-result disclosure, and discusses the victim's followup medical and mental health needs. In addition to pretest counseling, a number of other AIDS-related policies should be developed by victim services agencies, including antidiscrimination and AIDS education. 8 references and a sample HIV policy statement for victim services agencies in the management of sexual assault victims