While symptoms may take years to surface, testing will indicate infection within six months to one year of the exposure. If tests do not reveal infection following these testing dates, medical professionals and experts in the field of AIDS concur that the survivor is safe from infection following that particular sexual assault exposure. There is no reason for sexual assault survivors to live with an ongoing fear of HIV infection mysteriously showing up years and years following an attack. In fact, studies employing sound methodology concerning sex-offender dynamics have been done for the past 20 to 30 years. This is consistent with the very low pregnancy rate for victims of sexual assault at 2 percent.
Sexual assault can produce agonizing trauma for victims and survivors.
Let us all make certain we respond to victims and survivors with accurate information as well as compassion and appropriate support. If you want to make a difference in the lives of our citizens and learn more about accurate information, prevention and awareness of child abuse, and crisis intervention responses for all victims of violent crimes, let us know. Child Abuse Awareness Volunteer Presenter Training beginning on Tuesday. We have a comprehensive Crime Victim Assistance Volunteer Training starting on April 4. To find out more about how you can make a positive difference, call 677-7895.