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       # Rape
       
       ## What is rape?
       
       Forced sex, sex that is not wanted or agreed to, is rape.  Women or
       girls may be raped by strangers but most often it is by people they
       know, including family members, their husbands or boyfriends.  Men
       and boys are also raped.
       
       ## Care: emotion, contraception, STI, injury
       
       A person who has been raped will need first aid for any physical
       injuries.  Emotional support and care is also very important.  Treat
       people who have been raped with kindness and understanding, do not
       blame them.
       
 (IMG) Emotional support
       
       Rape can cause pregnancy.  Emergency contraceptive pills or the right
       dose of some types of birth control pills can prevent pregnancy if
       taken within 5 days of sex.  Rape can also spread sexually
       transmitted infections (STIs).  Health workers can provide medicines
       that treat STIs and prevent HIV after rape.
       
 (HTM) contraceptives
 (HTM) Medicines for STIs
       
       Someone who was raped may find it difficult for you to see or touch
       their body, so explain what you will be doing as you begin each step
       of your examination or treatment.  Ask for permission each time
       before touching.
       
       If the anus or genitals have tears, cuts, or bruises, these will be
       painful.  Give paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen.  If there is
       a lot of bleeding in the anus or vagina, show how to use pressure to
       stop it, in case bleeding starts again later.
       
       For small cuts and tears, soak in warm water 3 times a day.  Pouring
       water over the genitals while passing urine may help reduce
       discomfort.  Larger cuts or tears may need to be sutured.
       
 (DIR) stitches
       
       ## Documenting injuries
       
 (IMG) Documenting injuries
       
       Mark down all the injuries that you find (for example, with a list
       and X-marks on an outline drawing of a body, front and back).  If you
       have permission, take photographs.  These can help you see how
       injuries are healing when you follow up.  They can also be used as
       proof that violence or a crime took place.
       
       Look for injuries to other areas of the body as well.  See other
       parts of this chapter to treat specific problems.  A record of the
       physical exam and any injuries is necessary if the case is reported
       to the police, even if a decision to go to the police is not made
       until much later.
       
       ## Follow-up
       
       Follow up with the person after a few days to see how they are doing
       emotionally and physically.  Check cuts or tears for signs of
       infection.  Bladder infections are especially common for women after
       forced or violent sex.  Pain or a burning sensation while passing
       urine, and feeling like you need to pass urine very often, are common
       signs of bladder infection.
       
 (DIR) infection
       
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