Physical Care of the Rape Survivor.
Traditionally, the health care system has met the physical needs of the rape survivor (often to the detriment of emotional needs). Repair of tissue damage and prevention of complications are primary concerns. Because rape is a crime as well as a traumatic emergency, however, some aspects of medical care are governed by the need to col- lect and preserve legal evidence for use in prosecuting the S assailant. In so doing, health care providers must respect a the rights of the rape survivor. To better meet women's needs, many emergency departments use multidisciplinary teams to provide effective care to rape survivors and their families.