Drugs to be given to rape victims:

i) Analgesics or sedatives should be administered if indicated.

ii) Tetanus toxoid should be given if deep lacerations are present.

iii)Antibiotic -Ceftriaxone, 125mg intramuscularly to prevent gonorrhea.

-Give metronidazole 2 g (single dose) and azithromycin 1g orally (or doxycycline 100mg twice daily-for 7 days) to prevent chlamydial infection.

Syphilis: The above antibiotics will probably eliminate incubating syphilis. However the VDRL test should be repeated 6 weeks after the assault.

iv)Vaccinate against hepatitis B

v)Consider HIV prophylaxis (covered under a different post).

vi)Pregnancy can be prevented by using any of the methods discussed under emergency contraception (covered in another post).

Medico-legal aspects of investigating a victim of sexual violence

The aim of the examination is to gather evidence regarding:

i)Penetration/ejaculation

ii)Force/lack of consent

iii)Identification of the assailant

iv)Question of age.

v)Other corroborating evidence-This will help establish links among the victim, assailant ,scene etc.( Lochard’s Principal)

References:

Pages 758 to 759. Chapter 17. Rape.Gynaecology. CMDT 2006. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2006.45 th Edition. Edited by Lawrence M. Tierney,Jr. Stephen J McPhee, Maxine A. Papadakis.

Pages 122 to 134.Chapter 19 .Sexual offences. Forensic Medicine and Medical Law. Notes on Forensic Medicine and Medical Law.Dr Hemamal Jayawardena .2nd edition. Former lecturer in charge.Department of Forensic Medicine.University of Kelaniya.Sri Lanka.

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