Trauma-Informed Care in Patients with a History of Sexual Trauma

Sexual assault and sexual harassment are unfortunately pervasive in the USA and throughout the world. Research shows that both experiences are associated with heightened risk of the development of symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, and other psychological distress as well as negative relationship, occupational, academic, health, and other outcomes. Although most survivors of sexual assault and harassment are women, men are also at risk of such behaviors. Given that most perpetrators of such violence are cisgender men, it is not surprising that patients who have been subjected to such behaviors may be wary to work with male healthcare professionals. In addition, although much is known about a survivor’s experience of sexual assault and harassment as well as the sequalae of such experiences, stigma related to victimization remains. The presence of this stigma combined with the potential triggering nature of medical exams and other health care appointments risks the re-traumatization of patients receiving care in any clinic but especially so in reproductive medicine clinics.