National Guidelines on Management of Sexual Violence in Kenya
National Guidelines on Management of Sexual Violence in Kenya
National Guidelines on Management of Sexual Violence in Kenya
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3 History Tak<strong>in</strong>g and Exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong><br />
History tak<strong>in</strong>g and exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> the survivor should be undertaken immediately <strong>in</strong><br />
a safe and trust<strong>in</strong>g envir<strong>on</strong>ment. For a survivor who can not be exam<strong>in</strong>ed immediately<br />
because <strong>of</strong> the extent <strong>of</strong> the trauma experienced, s/he should be given first aid and then<br />
referred to a trauma counselor for stabilizati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Before start<strong>in</strong>g the physical exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>, take time to expla<strong>in</strong> all the procedures to the<br />
survivor and why they are necessary. Give your survivor a chance to ask any questi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Allow the survivor to have a family member or friend present throughout the exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
if s/he so wishes. Throughout the physical exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>in</strong>form the survivor what you<br />
plan to do next and ask for permissi<strong>on</strong>. Always let the survivor know when and where<br />
touch<strong>in</strong>g will occur. Show and expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>struments and collecti<strong>on</strong> materials. Survivors<br />
may refuse all or parts <strong>of</strong> the physical exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong> and you must respect the survivor’s<br />
decisi<strong>on</strong>. Allow<strong>in</strong>g the survivor a degree <strong>of</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trol over the physical exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong> is<br />
important for her/his recovery.<br />
Both medical and forensic specimens should be collected dur<strong>in</strong>g the course <strong>of</strong> the<br />
exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>. Make sure that the survivor understands that she can stop the procedure<br />
at any stage if it is uncomfortable for her/him and give her/him ample opportunity to<br />
stop the exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>, if necessary. Always address survivors’ questi<strong>on</strong>s and c<strong>on</strong>cerns <strong>in</strong><br />
a n<strong>on</strong>-judgmental, emphatic manner. Use a calm t<strong>on</strong>e <strong>of</strong> voice.<br />
The f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> medical history, exam<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong> and sample collecti<strong>on</strong> should be carefully<br />
and precisely documented <strong>in</strong> the PRC form (annex 6 PRC Form).<br />
3.1 History Tak<strong>in</strong>g for Adults<br />
General history:<br />
• Tell me about your general health.<br />
• Have you seen a nurse or a doctor lately?<br />
• Have you been diagnosed with any illnesses?<br />
• Have you had any operati<strong>on</strong>s?<br />
• Do you suffer from any <strong>in</strong>fectious diseases?<br />
• Do you have any allergies?<br />
• Are you currently tak<strong>in</strong>g any tablets or medic<strong>in</strong>e?<br />
Gynaecological history:<br />
• When was the first day <strong>of</strong> your last menstrual period?<br />
• Had you had any sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse prior to this <strong>in</strong>cident?<br />
• Have you had any pregnancies?<br />
• Do you use c<strong>on</strong>tracepti<strong>on</strong>? What type?<br />
• Do you currently have a sexual partner?<br />
• When did you have the last c<strong>on</strong>sented sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse?<br />
3