New methods offered to assault victims
By Shannon Clancy
Issue date: 3/21/07 Section: Features
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The presentation was part of a month-long programming series on women's issues and achievements in honor of Women's History Month.
Sexual assault is a pertinent issue in a college environment: "One in four college students experiences rape or some sort of sexual assault," Ann Falon, professor of nursing, said.
The panel discussed three components of helping victims of sexual assault and rape to become survivors, many of which are relatively new developments.
One of the most groundbreaking and controversial additions to the treatments available to sexual assault victims is Plan B emergency oral contraceptive, now legal in New Jersey.
In 2005, acting Gov. Richard Codey signed legislation requiring facilities to provide information and the contraception itself to sexual assault victims upon request.
Although myths assert that sexual assault cannot result in pregnancies, "between 25,000 and 35,000 pregnancies occur each year as a result of sexual assault," Dr. Susan Boughn, professor of nursing and women's and gender studies, said.
This myth is just one of the manifestations of the politics of sexuality. The scientific technology upon which Plan B is based was developed decades prior to its legal acceptance, and represents one form of social repression of female sexuality. Now, however, "you do not have to pay with a pregnancy for being a sexual woman," Boughn said.
Plan B contains a high concentration of progesterone, the hormones found in regular birth control pills. When taken within 72 hours of intercourse the pills prevent ovulation, fertilization and implantation.
"Plan B does not induce an abortion and is ineffective at terminating pregnancies," Boughn said.
It is important to remember that emergency contraceptives are intended for infrequent use and are most effective when taken in the first 24 hours.
Furthermore, while Plan B can prevent unwanted pregnancies, it does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
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