I had the problem of an Asian woman who claimed was repeatedly physically
assaulted by her husband - a local GP. The Police were involved finally but
it involved several months of very careful handling. The Police needed to be
told "This IS very sensitive - so go in to "sensitive mode"" They were very
good though.
My feeling is that it is documented meticulously with forensic specimens
being saved if possible and the woman being encouraged to talk to the Police
but not pressured. She needs to be offered the support of a specific senior
doctor or nurse in the department until she accepts referral to counselling
services. She should know she can talk to the Police but can direct them she
does not wish to prosecute at this stage. She cannot be forced to testify
and without her there is no case, but if others have said the same thing
about this man she may realise that a group of them would be believed.
How will she feel if someone is murdered by this guy and she has said
nothing? You cannot report it on her behalf without her consent though
because without her testimony there is no case. She may also be using you to
hurt this person by proxy. Women have and do occasionally set one man
against another to suit their purposes.
I feel the handling is clear, but what is exceptional is the fact this does
take time to sort and A&E's have short attention spans..
Vic Calland
-----Original Message-----
From: Accident and Emergency Academic List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Peter Cutting
Sent: 16 June 2005 14:39
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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