HEALTH CARE
Most Virginia hospitals can't treat survivors of sexual assault

The number of patients visiting emergency rooms for sexual assault is rising. But most Virginia hospitals are unprepared to treat them.

ERIC KOLENICH Richmond Times-Dispatch Sep 27, 2024

Most hospitals in Virginia failed to comply with a state law requiring them to demonstrate their ability to care for survivors of sexual assault.

According to a memo that Dr. Karen Shelton, the state health commissioner, sent this month to Gov. Glenn Youngkin, 112 of 181 hospitals in the state last year did not submit a plan to treat survivors or send them to another hospital.

A state law that took effect in 2023 directs each hospital in the state to affirm it can either treat survivors or transfer them to another facility. But the State Board of Health has not finalized regulations meant to standardize treatment, leading to a delay.

Although the number of patients visiting hospitals for sexual assault is rising in Virginia, most hospitals lack certified nurses and some have decided treating sexual assaults is too expensive.

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Eric Kolenich (804) 649-6109

ekolenich@timesdispatch.com