Cannot see how one can "uninform" the police of something they already know
and may well be actively investigating.
I think I would make full medical notes of the consultation, refer as
medically indicated, and keep my mouth shut unless asked, then think long
and hard before replying.
Specifically duty of care to public or risk - minimal I think in this
instance if police doing their job.
Problems with her family could be very real but I would try not to open that
non-medical can of worms.
But why is she telling your SHO these details at all? One for the
psychologists among us, not me.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Peter Cutting [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, June 16, 2005 2:39 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Rape & confidentiality
>
> I would be interested in your thoughts on the following scenario,
>
> 20 something lass
> Asian origin
> in ED c/o a variety of symptoms including abdo pain.
> During exam by SHO admitted to sexual assault (rape) by known male
> assailant 6/52 ago
> Has told police about him 'abusing her' several weeks before this attack.
> Police asked to be informed by her if further problems
> Now does not want to inform police as very afraid of stigma in Asian
> community of pre-marital sex etc
>
> Does duty of care to public outweigh potential for her community and
> family to ostracize her?
> If the attacker is known to her and is only a risk to her is there any
> risk to the public?
>
> Cheers
> Peter
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