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<p>The NHS Cervical Screening programme encourages practices to be sympathetic and
supportive to all women going through the procedure, in order to make it as comfortable
as possible. All women undertaking their screening test have the support of a chaperone
available. A female general practitioner/ nurse also undertakes the screening test.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme’s sample taker training guidance
covers various barriers which sample takers should be considerate of, this includes
guidance on women with fears of cervical screening following a history of sexual assault
or rape. The guidance can be viewed at the following link:</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cervical-screening-education-and-training"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cervical-screening-education-and-training</a></p><p>
</p><p>The Department has have been working with NHS England to develop a five-year
Sexual Assault and Abuse Strategy, which aspires to ensure victims receive joined-up
pathways of care over the course of their life time whenever they need it – this was
published in April 2018. It will develop and improve integrated pathways of care for
people that have experienced sexual assault and abuse.</p>
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