UNFPA Presents Draft Clinical Guideline on Medical Care for Women Subjected to Sexual Violence

Person presenting at a conference with banners displaying logos of UNICEF, UNDP, EU, and UNFPA in the background. In December 2024, UNFPA introduced a draft clinical guideline for the healthcare sector titled “Principles for Organising and Providing Medical Care for Women Subjected to Sexual Violence.” Designed for health workers, the guideline aims to standardise approaches to the clinical management of sexual violence survivors.

The guideline was developed within the framework of the “ATHENA: Advancing the Human Rights Agenda and Enhancing National Authorities” project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF.

Three participants at a conference table with laptops and water bottles, listening attentively to a speaker in a room with modern lighting fixtures and a banner displaying logos.

Four women are seated at a conference table with microphones and water bottles,one of them is speaking, the rest are listening. It is based on manuals from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the UpToDate database. The draft was authored by PhD Vahe Gyulkhasyan and clinical psychologist Siranush Davtyan.

During the presentation, the authors outlined the guideline’s key components. This was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session with participants.

A woman presenting at a conference with two listeners seated at a table, beside banners displaying logos and text in a foreign language. Taguhi Harutyunyan, UNFPA Gender Programme Analyst, shared insights on the initiative:

“To expand services for victims of sexual violence, UNFPA has initiated the development of standardised procedures for the clinical management of rape. The goal is to ensure that medical institutions adopt a unified approach to patient care, aligned with international standards. This guideline enables comprehensive service provision—from primary care and psychological support to ensuring a safe environment and follow-up care.”

A woman standing at a podium with a laptop, delivering a presentation in a room with banners featuring logos of the European Union, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNDP. Speaking about the psychological aspects included in the guideline, Siranush Davtyan emphasised:

“Sexual violence is a severe psychological trauma, and medical support alone is insufficient for healing. The guideline offers clear tips on what to do—and what not to do—to avoid secondary trauma. Additionally, it stresses the importance of follow-up monitoring to determine if further mental health referrals or support are needed.”

This guideline is currently in its draft stage and will be further discussed with the RA Ministry of Health and other interested bodies.

Two women seated at a conference table, listening attentively. One is gesturing while speaking. On the table are water bottles and notepads.

Four professionals seated at a conference table engaged in a discussion. Bottles of water are placed in front of them. All are attentively listening to the individual on the left who is speaking. Three professionals are engaged in a discussion at a conference table, with papers in front of them. Three professionals are sitting at a table during a meeting with laptops, papers. The man in the center is speaking. Three women sitting at a conference table during a meeting with water bottles on the table, engaging in a discussion.