Gender, Sexual Assault and Sexual Practices

EMRG 251: Sexual Assault and Sexual Practices

Gender

Understanding Gender

• Gender is a complex concept often associated with social norms and identities.

2SLGBTQ+ Community

Definition

• 2SLGBTQ+: Stands for 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning, with the plus sign (+) indicating additional identities.

Variations

• Different variants exist with added letters for Intersex, Asexual, Aromantic, and Pansexual identities.

Significance of 2S

• 2S (Two-Spirit) mentioned first to acknowledge Indigenous peoples and show solidarity for reconciliation in Canada.

Order of Letters

• 'L' placed before 'G' to reflect historical and ongoing solidarity efforts, addressing the underrepresentation of lesbians in the Pride movement.

The Pride Flag

• Colors and meanings:

  • Red: Life

  • Orange: Healing

  • Yellow: Sunlight

  • Green: Nature

  • Blue: Harmony

  • Purple: Spirit

Terminology in Gender Studies

Key Terms

• Biological Sex: Scientific classification based on chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia.

• Sex Assigned at Birth: Determined by the appearance of external genitals.

• Gender Identity: Personal understanding of one’s gender.

• Gender Expression: Outward display of gender characteristics.

Gender Variations

• Agender: Individual does not identify with any gender.

• Non-Binary: Gender identity that is neither exclusively male nor female.

• Bigender (Fluid): Identifies between two genders.

• Cisgender: Identifies with the sex assigned at birth.

• Pansexual (Bisexual): Attraction across all gender identities.

Misgendering and Deadnaming

• Misgendering: Using incorrect gender terms (accidental or intentional).

• Deadnaming: Using a person's former name instead of their chosen name.

  • Relevant issues for EMS practitioners.

Transgender Population

• Definition: An umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.

• May or may not use pronouns or hormone treatments.

• Questions about their transgender status are inappropriate unless relevant to their care.

Sexual Assault

General Overview

• Definition: Sexual assault encompasses a variety of behaviors, with rape being the most common.

• Statistics (Canada, 2021):

  • Women are 5x more likely to experience sexual violence.

  • Rates:

    • Women (25-35): 50 per 1000

    • Women (15-24): 103 per 1000

    • Men: 9 per 1000

    • Bisexual individuals: 541 per 1000

• Paramedic protocol suggests female paramedics should assist female victims when possible.

Evidence Preservation

• Recommendations include:

  • Avoid cutting clothing; use paper bags for items.

  • Use yellow sheets or towels for the stretcher.

  • Gently explain to the patient the importance of not washing or changing clothing.

Patient Assessment

• Limit examinations to initial surveys.

• Do not probe for details unless the patient offers them voluntarily.

  • Respect patient privacy throughout the process.

Management Responsibility

• Paramedics must preserve evidence; discourage actions that could alter evidence.

• Expect police involvement.

Facilitating Drugs

• Common drugs used:

  • Alcohol: Commonly associated with assaults.

  • Club Drugs: GHB, ketamine, ecstasy, Rohypnol - all have incapacitating and amnesiac effects.

Documentation

• Importance of accurate, factual patient care reports:

  • Keep concise, avoid opinions.

  • Document patient's emotional state, clothing condition, visible injuries, and any account provided by the patient with exact wording in quotations.

Sexual Practices

Foreign Bodies

• Issues with foreign objects in the vagina or anus:

  • Keep patient calm and preserve dignity.

  • Do not attempt removal; patients should not walk.

Vaginal Foreign Bodies - Assessment and Management

• Maintain privacy and conduct thorough assessments.

• Treat and transport following standard protocols, keeping knees flexed and legs together for transport.