What would VISIONS offer survivors of sexual violence?
Our goal is to develop a digital aid that empowers those affected to navigate the emergency room process and make informed decisions about the appropriate examinations and evidence collection for their situation.
Whether you are a survivor, working at a support group or in trauma care, feel free to contact us.
Questions we encountered by survivors of sexual violence
What support is available after the incident?
Immediate support is offered by the “Violence against women” helpline, which is available 24 hours a day on 08000 116 016.
According to the Social Compensation Act, survivors of sexual violence are entitled to fast and unbureaucratic treatment of what happened in trauma outpatient clinics.
You can find more information here.
Support from special networks can also be helpful. You can find a counseling centre near you here.
Do I have to tell my doctors about what happened?
No. As a general rule, you do not have to report the event if you do not wish to do so.
However, there is no reason to be ashamed, nor do you need to worry about burdening medical professionals with your questions and concerns after experiencing sexualized violence. The short letter given to you in the emergency room can serve as a reference point for the subsequent important infectiological examinations.
When should I undergo testing with my family doctor or gynecologist after an experience of sexual violence?
1 week after the incident: Testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia infection and trichomoniasis, especially for those who have not received prophylactic treatment.
2 weeks after the incident: pregnancy test.
4 to 6 weeks after the incident: Testing for syphilis and HIV.
3 months after the incident: Re-Testing for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV.
Further reading
Options for evidence collection
It’s crucial to secure evidence promptly after the incident. Most injuries or evidence can be identified within the first few hours or days afterwards…
What should I do after experiencing sexual violence?
We describe here seven steps that you could do after experiencing sexual violence, starting with seeking support.
STIs - procedures after sexual violence
The standardized medical first aid after a rape or sexual assault includes a clarification of sexually transmitted infectious diseases. This examination includes…