This study examined whether a video intervention leveraging existing sexual assault forensic exam infrastructure could minimize anxiety/discomfort during forensic examinations and prevent increased substance use and abuse following sexual assault.
A video intervention developed to leverage the existing sexual assault forensic exam infrastructure to minimize anxiety/discomfort during forensic examinations was associated with significantly lower frequency of marijuana use among women who reported use prior to the assault. Sexual assault and rape routinely produce extreme distress and negative psychological reactions in victims. Past research suggests that victims are at increased risk of developing substance use or abuse post-rape. The intervention aimed to reduce the risk of future emotional problems and to prevent increased substance use and abuse following sexual assault. The post-rape forensic medical exam may itself exacerbate peritraumatic distress because it includes cues that may serve as reminders of the assault, thereby potentiating post-assault negative sequelae. (Published Abstract Provided)