I want

Trauma-Informed Medical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors

Dr. Zohar Sahar, Director of the Department for the Treatment of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse, National Social Work Service, Ministry of Health;  Yifat Pollak Cohen, M.S.W, Senior Field Manager, Department for the Treatment of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse, National Social Work Service, Ministry of Health
28 September 2025

Some patients who seek medical care have experienced sexual assault or harassment in the past. For survivors of sexual trauma, interacting with the healthcare system—whether during treatment directly related to the assault or during routine care later—can feel complex and threatening, and may even bring up memories or trigger responses.

In recent years, a medical approach called "trauma-informed care" has been developed. Its goal is to reduce avoidance of medical treatment and prevent re-traumatization. Many healthcare teams today receive training to strengthen their knowledge and skills in providing trauma-sensitive care.

The guiding principle of trauma-informed medical care is to return a sense of control and safety to patients, give them the right to make decisions according to their wishes and abilities, and respect their choices regarding their bodies. Rights within this framework include receiving information and explanations at every stage of care, being able to ask any questions, maintaining privacy, having the option to bring a support person, meeting the care team in advance, and submitting special requests based on personal needs. Recently, the "Purple Card" was launched, which allows survivors to inform the medical team of a sexual assault without having to go into detail, helping ease the process of disclosure.

The aim is to reduce anxiety, help patients feel as comfortable as possible during medical visits, foster trust and understanding with the healthcare team, and most importantly, support them in overcoming barriers to care and returning to healthy, full lives.

In the healthcare system, we recognize that some patients seeking medical care have a history of sexual assault or harassment. Understanding that this issue affects how victims interact with healthcare, we have developed a trauma-informed therapeutic approach that is inclusive and respectful. This approach has led to positive changes in recent years, helping those who struggle to access medical services receive care that acknowledges their challenges. As social awareness of sexual assault increases, there is now more opportunity for victims to come forward, face their fears, and receive support.

Trauma-informed care

The "trauma-informed care" model has been evolving worldwide since the early 2000s, addressing not just sexual trauma but all types of trauma. Over the years, it has even expanded to include "trauma and violence-informed care." Today, this approach is a key part of both direct medical treatment and the overall recovery process, aiming to reduce avoidance of medical treatment, lessen the reliving of traumatic experiences, and enable victims to receive the best possible medical care.

 

REMEMBER

REMEMBER

You might interact with the healthcare system shortly after the assault to deal with its effects and collect evidence. It's also important to remember that everyone uses different healthcare services at various times for common reasons unrelated to the assault, like going to the dentist or a women's health clinic. These visits can also trigger memories of the trauma.

What to expect

The starting point of this unique care approach recognizes that for survivors of sexual assault, encounters with the healthcare system and medical staff can feel complex and threatening.

During a medical visit related directly to the assault you experienced, it is natural to feel worry, fear, or even anxiety. Such encounters may require significant emotional strength, as they often involve sharing deeply personal and painful feelings and, in some cases, physical exposure as well.

In other situations, when the medical care is not directly related to the assault, different challenges and triggers may arise that can cause emotional distress. We also understand that the patient–provider relationship, which involves a degree of dependence, can itself be complicated.

Today, there is a growing effort to train as many healthcare teams as possible to provide professional support to survivors. In most healthcare centers, medical teams you meet undergo extensive training to deepen their understanding of the different aspects of trauma and its potential effects. They also receive tools on how to communicate with you in a sensitive and respectful way, how to help improve your quality of life, and how to give you the support you need.

Treatment goals

Trauma-informed medical care for survivors of sexual assault is designed to support your ongoing healing process while fully respecting your need to feel safe and in control. This approach aims to minimize anything that could worsen your experience and to assist in both physical and emotional recovery. The care model ensures that feelings such as personal safety and control are maintained throughout the process and that the medical encounter becomes a supportive, safe space that avoids re-traumatization.

Your encounter with the care team

Anyone seeking professional support may feel uncertain before meeting with the healthcare team, along with questions such as:

  • What should I expect?
  • Will I have to tell my whole story again and relive the trauma?
  • Will discussing it trigger painful memories?
  • Will they need to touch me as part of the medical exam?
  • What if I feel uncomfortable?
  • Will I be required to file a police report (in cases of treatment following sexual assault)?

The medical team is aware of these possible feelings and prepares for all scenarios. Still, it is important to try to express how you feel, decide what works for you and what doesn’t, and communicate your needs. For example, when a woman arrives in the delivery room today, she usually first meets with a midwife. At that point, it is recommended to share if you have a history of sexual assault. In such cases, the goal of the delivery room team is to provide care that is as sensitive and responsive to your needs as possible.

Reporting an assault: how to disclose minimal details

Reporting an assault: how to disclose minimal details

To make it easier to disclose a sexual assault, the "Purple Card" was launched. This tool allows you to inform the medical team about the sexual assault you experienced without having to provide detailed information.

You can read more on the Briah Foundation website

Your rights

The guiding principle of sensitive and tailored medical care is to restore your control, the right to make decisions according to your wishes and abilities, and to respect your decision regarding your body.

To facilitate the therapeutic process and help you get through the sessions in the best possible way, it is worth knowing all your rights and what you are allowed to ask for:

You can ask for information and explanations at any point during your treatment, like what will happen next, how long it will take, who will be involved, and more.

At any stage of the process, you can ask to close the door, speak at a lower volume, and more.

You are allowed to bring another person to be present in the treatment room.

If it helps you and relieves tension, you can ask to have a brief introduction to the team that is going to treat you.

You are welcome to make special requests in advance as to what you prefer, such as asking for the treatment room door to be left open or closed, requesting breaks for rest and organization, or stopping the treatment at any point that feels right for you. Additionally, if a physical examination is necessary (with your consent), you may request that it be performed without the use of medical equipment that could cause you fear or anxiety.

The goal of this treatment is to lower your anxiety, make you comfortable, build trust with the treatment team, and most importantly, help you deal with the challenges of getting medical care so you can return to a healthy and fulfilling life.

More on the same topic