Risk identification and management of adults following acute sexual assault

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a risk identification tool for use with people presenting to pan-London sexual assault referral centres following recent acute sexual assault. The use of this tool has led to the development of a management care pathway aimed at reducing harmful behaviour, which is also described, together with initial audit data. Recommendations are made for applying this tool across the UK in sexual assault referral centres together with good practice guidelines for staff dealing with identified risk, including suicide and self-harm.

Keywords:

• risk identification tool
• self-harm
• suicide
• sexual assault
• forensic

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr Jenny Petrak, Ms Sharon McCabe, Dr Anna Keegan, Dr Louise Payne and Ms Kate Ceeney for their earlier contributions to the development of the risk identification tools. We would also like to thank Dr Nicoletta Cappuzzo, DI Steve Crosby, DI Peter Howarth, Ms Samantha Keeling, ADS Victoria Lawson, DCI Glen Lloyd, CNS Marie Noonan and DS Hannah O'Sullivan for their assistance in completing the risk identification and management guidelines and other Haven and Metropolitan Police colleagues for their continued support of this work.