Background
Zimbabwe has a high number of reported cases of rape, but has lacked services to treat and support the survivors. There is a need for sexual assault management services in the form of  health clinics, where trained medical staff can give appropriate treatment and support to those who have experienced sexual violence.

About the project
This project was created to establish a sexual assault management unit at Chitungwiza General Hospital, to provide services for men and women who are survivors of sexual assault. The unit was set up in a free room inside the hospital, where the survivors could go to be examined, get tested for HIV and receive post-exposure prophylaxis (to reduce the risk of HIV infection), antibiotics and emergency contraceptive pills. The project team held a three-day training course for the hospital staff to equip them with the skills and knowledge to manage this new unit.

Results
16 survivors of sexual assault were attended to at the sexual assault management unit during the first three months after it was opened. 100% of the survivors were women. All 16 were examined by trained personnel and tested for HIV. Eight of the women received post-exposure prophylaxis and six were given an emergency contraceptive pill. All 16 women also received prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections. The project team are hoping to expand this project and establish more sexual assault management units in Zimbabwe, particularly in rural areas.

Year: 2010