What should a healthcare provider do if a victim is uncooperative during initial assessment?

When a victim of sexual assault is uncooperative during the initial assessment, the best course of action is to document their refusal and proceed with standard procedures. This approach respects the victim's autonomy and acknowledges their feelings, which may result from trauma, fear, or a sense of being overwhelmed.

By documenting the refusal, the healthcare provider ensures that there is a recorded account of the victim’s response, which is crucial for both medical and legal reasons. Proceeding with standard procedures allows caregivers to offer necessary medical attention and support without exacerbating the victim’s distress. The emphasis on respecting the victim's choices is critical in creating a safe environment and maintaining trust, which can be essential for their healing process.

Forcing cooperation would violate the victim's rights and can further traumatize them. Discussing the situation with law enforcement at that moment may add pressure and make the victim feel cornered, which is counterproductive to addressing their needs. Encouraging them to leave could deprive them of vital healthcare assistance and support they might need, ultimately putting their well-being at risk.