Identifying the prevalence of genital injuries amongst patients attending Saint Mary's sexual assault referral centre following an allegation of digital penetration.

This study aimed to (1) add to the limited evidence base regarding genital injury associated with digital vaginal penetration and (2) identify predisposing or protective factors to the identification of a genital injury. Data collection was performed retrospectively on the paper case files of 120 female adult (>18 years) patients alleging digital vaginal penetration with no penile vaginal penetration that had an acute FME at Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) Manchester. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate differences in the demographics of those reporting digital penetration, with and without injuries.

The effectiveness of sexual assault referral centres with regard to mental health and substance use: a national mixed-methods study - the MiMoS Study.

Background: Sexual assault referral centres have been established to provide an integrated service that includes forensic examination, health interventions and emotional support. However, it is unclear how the mental health and substance use needs are being addressed.

Aim: To identify what works for whom under what circumstances for people with mental health or substance use issues who attend sexual assault referral centres.

Use of SARC services by victims of sexual violence: Auditing the ethnicity of Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre's clients.

Introduction: Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Manchester provides services to adults and children who have suffered sexual assault. The ethnic composition of those who attended the centre was audited in 2001 and 2003 to measure how well it serves different ethnic groups. This paper provides an updated audit using 2019 data.

Otolaryngology contribution to the care of patients following non-fatal strangulation in the settings of alleged sexual assault.

Background: Non-fatal strangulation as a consequence of a sexual assault attack or domestic violence represents serious bodily harm. Otolaryngologists have an important role in documenting physical findings and managing airway symptoms. This study aimed to describe our otolaryngology department's experience managing patients referred from the sexual assault referral centre who suffered non-fatal strangulation.

Exploring the similarities and differences amongst service users with and without learning disabilities attending Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Background: People with learning disabilities are over-represented amongst Sexual Assault Referral Centre service users. This work aims to explore the similarities and differences between service users with and without learning disabilities.

Method: Medical notes of 52 service users likely to have a learning disability were compared with 52 service users not likely to have a learning disability (according to the Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire); all of whom attended Saint Marys SARC for a forensic medical examination during a 12-month period.

The impact of COVID19 pandemic and government enforced lockdowns on levels of attendance and context of sexual assaults reported at Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Globally, government enforced lockdowns were one measure introduced to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The impact of these social movement restrictions on victims of sexual assault and their access of sexual assault services needed clarity. This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on: Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) attendance; characteristics of clients; characteristics of alleged perpetrators and nature of sexual assaults.

Top 10 priorities for Sexual Violence and Abuse Research: indings of the James Lind Alliance Sexual Violence Priority Setting Partnership.

Objectives: To establish a James Lind Alliance (JLA) Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) to identify research priorities relevant to the health and social care needs of adults with lived experience of recent and/or historical sexual violence/abuse.

Participants: Adults (aged 18+ years) with lived experience of sexual violence/abuse (ie, 'survivors') were consulted for this PSP, alongside healthcare and social care professionals who support survivors across the public, voluntary, community, independent practice and social enterprise sectors.

Methods: In line with standard JLA PSP methodology, participants completed an initial online survey to propose research questions relevant to the health and social care needs of survivors.

Identifying the prevalence of genito-anal injuries amongst clients attending St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre following an allegation of anal penetration.

Background: There is a lack of clarity around the prevalence of anal injuries sustained following anal penetration. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of injury amongst clients attending Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Manchester, UK following anal penetration and identify predisposing or protective factors such as age, sex and pubertal status. This should facilitate an evidence-based approach to providing evidence statements in court for allegations of anal penetration.

Repeat attenders are disproportionately vulnerable: An exploration of revictimisation at Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Background: Being a victim of sexual assault is linked to many psychological and physical health problems. Experiencing one episode of assault is a risk factor for revictimisation. Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides aftercare for clients in Greater Manchester and Cheshire who have suffered sexual assault and rape, with physical, psychological and sexual health services.

'I thought he was going to kill me': Analysis of 204 case files of adults reporting non-fatal strangulation as part of a sexual assault over a 3 year period.

Background: There is growing awareness internationally around the prevalence and dangerousness of non-fatal strangulation (NFS). The aim of this study was to: (i) identify the prevalence of NFS in patients presenting to the Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Manchester, UK for an acute forensic medical examination (FME) after a report of rape or sexual assault, (ii) explore the characteristics of patients reporting NFS compared to those who did not and (iii) explore the prevalence of various symptoms and signs associated with NFS.

Method: Data from case files of all patients attending in a three year period, January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019, were analysed.

Descriptive analysis of the context of child sexual abuse reportedly perpetrated by female suspects: Insights from Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Background: Determining the prevalence and characteristics of female-perpetrated child sexual abuse (CSA) is fraught with difficultly. There is a historical lack of empirical research and a discrepancy between the number of cases that reach the attention of the authorities and its suspected prevalence in society. It is also noted that for a myriad of reasons many CSA reports do not progress through the criminal justice process so many remain as allegations rather than proven or disproven crimes.

Sex workers reporting rape: Understanding their vulnerabilities to improve their care. The characteristics of sex workers who attend Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

In the UK it is estimated that there are at least 70,000 sex workers, however, relatively little is known about who these people are. The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence.(Flatley, 2018) 1 However, there is little known about sex workers who access sexual assault referral centres services.

Minimising trauma in staff at a sexual assault referral centre: What and who is needed?

Introduction: This study investigates staff's perspectives on the characteristics required to work in a sexual assault referral centre and the support and training they believe sexual assault referral centres should provide to minimise the negative impacts of the work and provide a supportive working environment.

Methods: Semi- structured interviews were conducted with 12 staff, and a focus group was held with a further four staff of a sexual assault referral centre. The data were examined using thematic analysis.

The identification and treatment of mental health and substance misuse problems in sexual assault services: A systematic review.

Background: Specialist sexual assault services, which collect forensic evidence and offer holistic healthcare to people following sexual assault, have been established internationally. In England, these services are called sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). Mental health and substance misuse problems are common among SARC attendees, but little is known about how SARCs should address these needs.

The disproportionately high prevalence of learning disabilities amongst adults attending Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

Background: There is a dearth of reliable data on sexual assault prevalence amongst people with learning disabilities. This work aims to identify the prevalence of learning disabilities amongst adult clients attending Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre and ascertain the similarities/differences amongst clients with learning disabilities as compared to clients without.

Method: A short validated Learning Disability Screening Questionnaire was completed by adult clients attending Saint Marys for a forensic medical examination during a twelve-month period.

Sexually assaulted older women attending a U.K. sexual assault referral centre for a forensic medical examination.

There is a paucity of literature on sexual violence against older adults, particularly in the U.K. This work aims to identify and describe the characteristics of alleged sexual assault and subsequent forensic medical examination (FME) for older clients presenting to a large sexual assault referral centre (SARC) in Manchester over a ten-year period.

The experiences of sexually assaulted people attending Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre for a forensic medical examination.

This study explores the experiences of people who have attended Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for a forensic medical examination (FME). Within the United Kingdom, SARCs support complainants following a sexual assault, delivering specialised care and gathering medico-legal evidence for court proceedings. To date, there has been limited research evaluating SARCs responses towards complainants.

The high prevalence of pre-existing mental health complaints in clients attending Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre: Implications for initial management and engagement with the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor service at the centre.

Background: The Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre has a unique service delivery model whereby it provides an integrated physical and psychological support services to clients, women men and children, living in Greater Manchester. The service is available to those who have reported rape or sexual assault, whether this is recent or historic. Clients living in surrounding areas of Cheshire are provided with forensic and medical services at Saint Mary's Centre, with follow-up care provided locally, as appropriate.

How an ordeal becomes the norm: A qualitative exploration of experiences of self-cannulation in male home haemodialysis patients.

Objectives: Despite home haemodialysis (HHD) being associated with significant health and psychosocial benefits, it remains an under-utilized dialysis modality for people with chronic kidney disease. Self-cannulation, where patients insert their own needles for dialysis, is a key component of HHD. Recent research suggests that the prospect of self-cannulation is a barrier for patients, but there is little research which examines why this is the case.

Young People's, Parents', and Professionals' Views on Required Components of Mobile Apps to Support Self-Management of Juvenile Arthritis: Qualitative Study.

Background: There is growing evidence that supporting self-management of Juvenile Arthritis can benefit both patients and professionals. Young people with Juvenile Arthritis and their healthy peers increasingly use mobile technologies to access information and support in day-to-day life. Therefore, a user-led, rigorously developed and evaluated mobile app could be valuable for facilitating young people's self-management of Juvenile Arthritis.

The anticipated and the lived experience of home and in-centre haemodialysis: Is there a disconnect?

This qualitative study aimed to explore home haemodialysis and in-centre haemodialysis patients' experience, to illuminate barriers and facilitators in the uptake and maintenance of home haemodialysis. Thirty-two semi-structured interviews with patients receiving home haemodialysis or in-centre haemodialysis were analysed using framework analysis. Four themes emerged: 'perceptions of self'; 'impact of haemodialysis on family'; 'perceived advantages and disadvantages of home haemodialysis and in-centre haemodialysis' and 'practical issues and negotiating haemodialysis'.

Apps and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of Adolescents' Use of Mobile Phone and Tablet Apps That Support Personal Management of Their Chronic or Long-Term Physical Conditions.

Background: The prevalence of physical chronic or long-term conditions in adolescents aged 10-24 years is rising. Mobile phone and tablet mobile technologies featuring software program apps are widely used by these adolescents and their healthy peers for social networking or gaming. Apps are also used in health care to support personal condition management and they have considerable potential in this context.

British-Pakistani women's perspectives of diabetes self-management: the role of identity.

Aims And Objectives: To explore the effects of type 2 diabetes on British-Pakistani women's identity and its relationship with self-management.

Background: Type 2 diabetes is more prevalent and has worse outcomes among some ethnic minority groups. This may be due to poorer self-management and an inadequate match of health services to patient needs.

Mobile Phone and Tablet Apps to Support Young People's Management of Their Physical Long-Term Conditions: A Systematic Review Protocol.

Background: The prevalence of long-term or chronic conditions that limit activity and reduce quality of life in young people aged 10-24 years is rising. This group has distinct health care needs and requires tailored support strategies to facilitate increasing personal responsibility for the management of their condition wherever possible, as they mature. Mobile phone and tablet mobile technologies featuring software program apps are already well used by young people for social networking or gaming.

A systematic review of research into black and ethnic minority patients' views on self-management of type 2 diabetes.

Context: Eliciting patients' views of type 2 diabetes self-management provides insights on how policy and services might better support the needs of this population.

Objective: To synthesize black and ethnic minority patients' views on the barriers and facilitators influencing the self-management of type 2 diabetes.

Search Strategy: A systematic search of international literature published in nine electronic databases was undertaken in 2008.