How sexual assault survivors can feel in control during cervical screenings – SASHA: South Australian Sexual Health Awareness

ABC Life By Kellie Scott / 12th August 2020

Kate* avoids cervical screenings.The 34-year-old from Sydney is a survivor of sexual assault and finds the physical examination re-traumatising.

Kate’s experience is not unique.

One in five Australian women has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. And research shows those who have experienced sexual abuse, either as adults or children, are less likely to attend regular cervical screening.

Read more of article here
Link to referenced paper from BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health: Barriers to cervical screening in women who have experienced sexual abuse: an exploratory study

assigned female at birth (AFAB) Australia autonomy barriers best practice cervical cancer cervical screening cervix child sexual abuse cisgender women communication control data disclosure empowerment fear GPs Human Papillomavirus (HPV) informed consent lived experience mental health neoplasms pathology population health power prevention public health rape report safety screening self-collection sexual abuse sexual assault sexual violence speculum support services survivors swab training trauma trust vagina victims women

Read more