US-Iran war CJP protest in Delhi US-Saudi nuclear deal Wildfires in Europe El Nino

Why it is absolutely essential to deem rape a medical emergency

Though there are government guidelines in place for “medical emergency for rape victims”, few rape survivors get the medical attention they need.

Myupchar|Oct 30, 2019, 12:13:36 IST

National Crime Reports Bureau (NCRB) released its crime report for 2017 on 21 October 2019. Data show that while crime as a whole went up by 3.6% year-on-year, crimes against women grew 6% over 2016.Consider these numbers: 3.6 lakh of the 50 lakh-plus crimes reported in 2017 were committed against women. About 10.3% were rape cases. Sexual offences, including rape, comprised 25.3% of all crimes against children. At 32,559, the number of rape cases in 2017 came down from 38,947 the previous year.[caption id="attachment_7572851" align="alignleft" width="380"]

Representational image. Image source: Getty Images.[/caption]Even though the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has guidelines for “medical emergency for rape victims”, few rape survivors get the medical attention they need. Part of the reason is the social stigma and feeling of shame around rape. Part of it may be attributed to misinformation.It is, however, of paramount importance that we understand that rape is a medical emergency.

Effects of rape on the body and mind

Sexual assault can have a serious impact on a person’s physical, mental and emotional health. Rape survivors may have medical injuries that need immediate and/or long-term attention.Rape survivors may have vaginal injuries, mutilated genitalia, pelvic inflammatory disease, a sexually transmitted disease, urinary tract infections, or experience severe abdominal pain. Doctors can help administer rape tests as well as give survivors pills to prevent HIV AIDS infection and unwanted pregnancies soon after the incidence - ideally within 72 hours.From shock and fear to depression and nightmares, rape can take a severe toll on the survivor’s mind too. These are some of the conditions doctors keep an eye out for:

An inability to function normally in their daily lives
Depression and chronic anxiety
Feelings of vulnerability
Loss of control and/or self-esteem
Emotional distress
Impaired sense of self
Nightmares
Self-blame
Mistrust
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Chronic mental disorders
Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of endangering themselves

Immediate medical assistance and empathy can help a survivor deal with the trauma to an extent.

Bigger picture

It’s not just crimes against women, child sexual abuse in India is also high. A nationwide study on child abuse conducted by the Ministry of Women and Child Development showed that almost 53% children across 13 states were facing some sort of sexual abuse while 22% were severely sexually assaulted - this data included both boys and girls.To be sure, efforts are on on many fronts to raise awareness about sexual assault and rape. Case in point: Article 15, a film with actor Ayushman Khurrana in the lead, was based on the gang rape of three Dalit girls by people with political clout. Earlier this year, Netflix also streamed Delhi Crime, a show about the investigation into the rape and death of Jyoti Pandey - arguably a watershed case that changed the way we talk about rape and redress in this country.Still, more needs to be done if we are to help the 32,559 people who were raped in 2017 recover their health.

Helping hand

Organisations such as the Azad Foundation (011-40601878), Doctors Without Borders India, Bhartiya Grameen Mahila Sangh and the International Center for Research on Women (011-46643333) have programmes and centres dedicated to helping rape survivors across the country.Though they each have specialisations, some of the things these organisations do include rescuing the victims from dangerous situations, providing medical aid as well as financial support to rebuild their lives. Some organisations, such as the Bengaluru headquartered Lawyers’ Collective, also help women file police reports and fight for justice.How can you help? Some of these organisations accept donations and take volunteers. And if you are ever in a position to help a rape survivor - on the street, in your building, at a party, in a mall - take them to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Make sure they don’t wash up or change their clothes before a doctor has had a chance to examine them. Comfort them and be there for them.Health articles in Firstpost are written by myUpchar.com, India’s first and biggest resource for verified medical information. At myUpchar, researchers and journalists work with doctors to bring you information on all things health. For more information, please read our article on Vagina and Vagina Health.

Stroke is rising among young adults. Doctor explains why it's happening and what you must do

Stroke is increasingly affecting adults in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Experts say unhealthy lifestyles, undiagnosed high blood pressure and delayed treatment are driving the rise in younger stroke cases

3 min read

Stroke in young adults, silent symptoms and late diagnosis: India's growing brain health challenge

Neurologists warn that stroke is increasingly affecting people in their 30s and 40s, while many brain disorders progress silently before symptoms appear. They say early diagnosis, timely referrals and healthier lifestyles are key to reducing India's growing neurological disease burden.

5 min read

Brain tumours aren't always fatal, but delayed diagnosis can be: Experts explain the key warning signs

Brain tumours are frequently mistaken for common headaches, stress or age-related cognitive changes. Doctors say recognising warning signs early and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term neurological complications.

2 min read

Spices, health and the Indian plate: Why chilli can be good for you—but moderation is still key

From boosting metabolism to supporting heart health, chillies offer several surprising health benefits. But experts say the amount you eat matters, and too much spice can do more harm than good.

4 min read

Organ donation: 5 myths you need to stop believing, according to a transplant specialist

Organ donation has the power to transform and save lives, but this can happen only when myths are replaced with facts. Building awareness, having open conversations and understanding the process can help families make informed decisions.