Cultural dimensions in the evaluation and treatment of sexual trauma. An overview.

Although many women worldwide experience sexual trauma, they constitute a neglected patient population. Refugee women, in particular, reveal a high prevalence of sexual trauma. Despite the recognition that sexual trauma afflicts the lives of many, little is known about the impact on health of sexual trauma and its evaluation and treatment. Few empirical studies exist. This article focuses on describing the cultural issues relevant to treating patients who have been sexually traumatized. Clinical descriptions and patient testimonies are used to provide a clinical guide for evaluation and treatment, as well as for outlining directions for future research.