The clinical outcome of 137 rape victims in Hong Kong

LC Chu, WK Tung
Accident and Emergency Department, Kwong Wah Hospital, Waterloo Road, Hong Kong


From 1 August 2001 to 31 July 2004, 137 patients were referred from the Association Concerning Sexual Violence Against Women to the Accident and Emergency Department at the Kwong Wah Hospital for alleged rape. Approximately half of the patients presented within 3 days of the alleged assault. Fifty-one patients were prescribed emergency contraception: one patient remained pregnant despite treatment and was referred with a further six patients to the Gynaecology Department for termination of pregnancy. Thirty-two patients received hepatitis B immunoglobulin injection. One patient had a positive result for rapid plasma reagin 3 months following the assault and was referred to the Social Hygiene Clinic. All tests for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus were negative. Antimicrobial therapy was prescribed for women who had an endocervical and/or high vaginal swab positive for Chlamydia trachomatis (n=9), Trichomonas vaginalis (n=1), and gonococcus (n=1).

Hong Kong Med J 2005;11:391-6

Key words: Contraceptives, postcoital; Pregnancy unwanted; Rape; Sexually transmitted diseases; Violence