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Supporting victims of rape and sexual violence

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Torture survivors may well have been subjected to rape and sexual assault. Rape and sexual violence can occur before flight, during the journey and in the country of asylum. Although it is more common for women and girls to experience rape and sexual violence, boys and men can also be victims.

The presentation of rape victims’ experiences may be complicated by:

  • Survivors feeling uncomfortable discussing their experiences
  • Feelings of shame and guilt
  • Presentation of other symptoms
  • Issues related to pregnancy and STIs
  • The gender of the health practitioner
  • Fears about confidentiality.

The  Lambeth NHS Primary Care Trust’s Resource Pack to help General Practitioners and other Primary Health Care Professionals in their work with Refugees and Asylum Seekers includes guidance for sensitively discovering a patient’s history of rape.

Meeting the health needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK  provides guidance on working with survivors of sexual violence.

Organisations that can offer support and assistance include:

The POPPY Project provides support to women who have been trafficked into prostitution.