The problem in primary care

Abstract

Over the last few years doctors working in primary care have seen an increase in the number of people presenting with a history of sexual abuse. The commonest reactions from doctors are panic (‘What am I supposed to do/say?’) and denial (‘This can’t be true.’). Doctors feel ill-equipped to deal with this emotive problem because of lack of expertise, inadequate resources, and their own problems and difficulties in dealing with the emotions produced by hearing about abusive episodes.