HJNO May/Jun 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  MAY / JUN 2024 25 One of the most traumatizing aspects of sexual violence for survivors is the associ- ated sense of powerlessness. Thus, power dynamics in the patient-provider relation- ship must be top-of-mind for providers. In the traditional medical model of care, providers are deemed the beholders of knowledge, and patients are expected to blindly trust decisions made by their pro- viders. While the field of healthcare has moved toward a more patient-centered model, the remnants of historically harm- ful and oppressive practices continue to influence the patient experience. Provid- ers can mitigate iatrogenic dynamics in the patient-provider relationship by emphasiz- ing collaboration in all aspects of patient care. For example, providers can lean on patients like trusted colleagues using patients’ wisdom to creatively develop a tailored treatment plan. Providers can fur- ther empower patients by taking time to not only listen to patients’ concerns, but their unique strength and values as well. These and other trauma-informed practices can be beneficial to use with patients whether or not they share a current or personal his- tory of sexual assault. It is also important for providers to be aware of the impact that working with sex- ual assault survivors can have on their own emotional well-being. Listening to the pain- ful stories of survivors can be difficult for even the most seasoned of clinicians. As such, it is vital for providers to lean on their own resources, turning to colleagues and supervisors for support following these types of challenging cases and routinely practicing self-care outside of work. n REFERENCES 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence. https://www.cdc.gov/ violenceprevention/sexualviolence/fastfact.html 2 Zinzow, H. M., Resnick, H. S., Barr, S. C., Danielson, C. K., & Kilpatrick, D. G. (2012). Receipt of post- rape medical care in a national sample of female victims. American journal of preventive medicine, 43(2), 183-187. Forensic services are available to all individuals who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and injuries resulting from those experiences, no matter when the assault occurred or how much is remembered regarding the assault. Call 504.702.3931 to discuss options for services. Free, confidential crisis hotlines are available 24/7 at: • New Orleans Family Justice Center: 504.866.9554 • Metropolitan Center for Women & Children: 888.837.5400 • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.4673 • Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response (STAR): 855.435.STAR or 504.407.0711 To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement, call 1.866.347.2423. Need Help? Know Someone Who Does? 1 in 4 U.S. women have been the victim of attempted or completed rape.