HIV & rape

PEP (post exposure prophylaxis = a course of medication) to prevent contacting HIV as a result of rape can be taken by women and men. It is important to take this medication as early as possible after an assault as the time frame for taking it is 72 hours post assault. Taking a full course of PEP means to be on this medication for 28 days. PEP needs to be prescribed and is not freely available.

An appropriately trained doctor, such as a doctor based at a SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre), at an A&E department or at a sexual health clinic can advise on the risk of contracting HIV following assault. This risk depends on many factors such as number of assailants involved, the ‘type' of assault and whether or not there were injuries (e.g. anal/vaginal injuries). It could also matter whether it is known where the assailants are from and whether they have undertaken any travel to parts of the world with higher HIV infection rates.

In addition to this, some people tend to be more worried about HIV than others and PEP may be offered to those really worried even though they are not at a high risk of having contracted HIV after the assault. However, this needs careful consideration due to the side effects involved.

PEP has many unpleasant side effects and this should be discussed with the prescribing doctor. Taking PEP also means that regular monitoring and tests are vital and this involves a range of appointments at the SARC/PEP clinic/prescriber.

Survivors of rape/sexual assault who attend a SARC should be offered a discussion about the risk of HIV unless the nature of the assault was such that HIV could not have been contracted, e.g. in cases where there was no penetration and no other possible route of infection.

In areas where there is no SARC it may be possible to get advice on PEP from one of the following: local A&E department, local Sexual Health Clinic, police forensic physician or it may be possible to phone the nearest SARC for telephone advice. The earlier PEP is taken the more effective it may be; therefore it is important to make this a priority after a rape/assault (alongside other medical needs such as emergency contraception).

(Information provided by The Haven – Paddington)