Trauma-Informed Care & Support for Survivors

Trauma influences the lives of many different individuals. This PTSD Awareness Day, our Chief Clinical Officer Jess shares how Tia provides support for survivors and holds space for people to heal.

The statistics for sexual assault in the United States are alarming: 1 in 5 transgender individuals, 1 in 6 women, and 1 in 33 men will experience sexual violence during their lifetimes. Someone is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds in this country.

Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor. These effects can be traumatic, but with the right help and support, they can be managed. Learning more can help you find the best form of care to begin the healing process. At Tia, we stand with survivors of sexual violence and commit to creating safe and supportive environments for everyone that comes to us for care.

Jess Horowitz, MPH FNP-C,VP of Virtual Care + Clinic Ops at Tia, sheds light on how being a survivor can impact your experiences navigating healthcare, the meaning of trauma-informed care, and how survivors can advocate for themselves in the healthcare space.

How might being a sexual assault survivor impact a patient’s experience getting healthcare?

Being a survivor of sexual assault can impact every aspect of a person’s life. It becomes part of who you are and can impact how you approach relationships with others and yourself. One of the most intimate relationships someone has is with their healthcare provider. So of course being a survivor of sexual assault impacts how someone approaches healthcare. Negative healthcare experiences run the risk of retraumatizing a patient if compassion, sensitivity, a trauma-informed lens, and consent are not core to the healthcare experience. On the flip side, positive healthcare experiences can be part of the solution of healing the trauma that comes from being a survivor of sexual assault. With each positive healthcare experience, a bit of additional healing is possible — the responsibility of holding someone and being a part of their healing is core to the care we provide at Tia.

What is “trauma-informed” care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach to care that first acknowledges the fact that more people than not have a history of trauma. Understanding that trauma is pervasive, we must create medical environments that promote healing and recovery rather than upholding practices that have the potential to re-traumatize. Trauma-informed care deeply acknowledges the role trauma has played in a person’s life and very intentionally creates care systems that hold space for people to heal.

How do Tia providers practice sensitivity and awareness to sexual violence in their interactions with patients? Does the Tia Care Team go through any training for this?

Each and every Tia patient is asked if they have a history of sexual assault and/or abuse as part of their health intake that they complete prior to meeting with a Tia provider. This information is highlighted to the Tia Care Team and helps inform every single decision and interaction we have with a patient. While there is extra care, careful explanation, time taken for thorough consent and emphasis on healing for a patient who tells us that they have a history of sexual violence, our providers are trained and commited to approaching every patient with compassion, shared decision-making, and deep explanations on the why not just the what, no matter who they are.

What are some ways a survivor can practice grounding and de-stressing before a gynecological exam if they’re feeling anxious or triggered?

First, if you come to Tia for care, we are here. We will help ground you. And we will hold you through this experience. Tell your provider that you are a survivor so they can meet you where you are and support you through any part of the visit that may be triggering. Tell your provider if you want them to tell you what they are going to do prior to any physical exam or if you would rather them not speak at all. Practice deep breathing and visualization. Consider bringing a friend, a partner or a supportive person who can be with you for the exam. It may be helpful to keep your own clothes on or bring a blanket or sweatshirt that makes you feel safe and comfortable. Some people find anxiety relief from calming essential oils such as lavender and at Tia we are able to provide acupuncture during some gynecological procedures to further reduce anxiety and calm the nerves.

How can survivors advocate for themselves during their visit to be as safe and informed as possible?

Above all, this is YOUR healthcare experience. Say what you need, what you are comfortable with and what boundaries you need to be safe. It is ok to say no to any procedure, intervention, or exam. Nothing is mandatory. It is ok to say who you want in the room with you and who you do not. And it is absolutely encouraged to ask questions: ask why, ask what to expect, and set the rules for your visit and your relationship with your healthcare provider.

What kinds of changes would you like to see within the medical community around treatment of survivors of sexual trauma?

As much as I want to empower people to advocate for themselves, as much as I want to equip every survivor with tools to get the healthcare experience they so deserve, I long for a world where the survivor does not have to do so much of the work. I long for a world where every healthcare provider and medical center approaches people with care and compassion, where survivors can know they will be cared for fully. This includes approaching health through the lens of trauma-informed care. This is possible, but it takes work on behalf of clinicians and the systems which support them. It is a deep honor and an immense responsibility to care for survivors — and so many of us are survivors of trauma, in one way or another.

If you are a sexual assault survivor seeking support and resources, chat with a specialist from RAINN to get help now.