ASHM Report Back
Clinical posts from members and guests of the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) from various international medical and scientific conferences on HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis, and sexual health.
Day 2, Tuesday 15/11/2016
FAMSACA - is Forensic & Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Australia.
Today commenced with FAMSACA breakfast which was very well attended.
The organisation is small group nationally and meets up every 2 years. It welcomes new members and provides clinical educational updates.
The Australian media has increased its reporting on Domestic Violence (DV) in Australia.
DV has become a major topic and focus nationally, especially since Rosie Batty education campaigns and advocacy.
FAMSACA presenters discussed 4 different and highly complex Client cases.
Physical Assessment of Woman and Girls after an assault can be re-traumatising.
There is clear Pathways to E.D and Medically investigation.
FAMILY PLANNING - Copper IUD is 1 of the most effective form of contraception.
New Emergency Contraception Pill, Ulipristal acetate is 99% effective. Ideally to be administered ASAP and within 4 days of an event. After this time it's efficiently declines rapidly. Cost is approximately $50.00 AUD and will become available over the counter in 2017. Please refer to www.ellaone.com
Reporting Violence to Police and relevant Authorities in relation to Children.
We spoke about the potential difficulties of reporting if the victim refuses to consent in providing this information and requests confidentiality.
Woman may often feel unsafe reporting to Police due to fears of retribution from men/boys. This can include threats to their children. Victims dislike reporting directly to the Police, an option would be to report this on-line, but the Police require the victim (witness) to provide details, otherwise they lack powers to investigate.
Other challenges to services and clinicians are re-current presenters. This often presents in context of people with an Intellectual Disability or mental health, with a history of childhood sexual abuse. It is hard to establish safety with ongoing abuse.
Under age children/young people with abuse, even under Guardianship present particularly difficult challenges. When they become of legal age of sexual consent the police are not so interested.
Drugs and Alcohol are frequently seen but it’s also can be common not remember things/details.
Clinicians need to celebrate small changes to cope and manage working in this area of trauma.
It is important for Clinicians and Community Workers to know where to refer Clients and Patients to these Specialised Services.