This HealthEd podcast, which was produced as part of the Pathways Project, features Dr Ellie Freedman from NSW Health Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect (PARVAN). In the podcast, Dr Freedman talks healthcare providers through patient-led responses for presentations of acute sexual assault. It emphasises the importance of identifying and managing a patient’s safety needs and their medical needs, including identifying physical injuries, such as those resulting from non-fatal strangulation. Dr Freedman also discusses providing information to the patient on reporting options and forensic evidence collection.
The podcast covers:
- Management issues and investigations required when a patient presents acutely following sexual assault
- Importance of comprehensive clinical notes
- The process of referral to a tertiary hospital or service for forensic investigation
- Potential for anonymous reporting of sexual assault in New South Wales
- Ensuring that a patient is safe after leaving the consultation
This podcast will be useful to general practitioners and other healthcare workers, including sexual health, prehospital care, and allied health practitioners. GPs and healthcare providers can receive CPD points for listening to this podcast on the HealthEd website after creating an account.
Suggested citation
HealthEd. (2025). Women’s Health: Supporting victims of sexual assault within a primary care setting. https://www.healthed.com.au/podcasts/supporting-victims-of-sexual-assault-within-primary-care-setting/