Sexual violence is a widespread public health issue with significant short and long-term health consequences. This webinar will focus on trauma-informed approaches for healthcare personnel to improve the coordination and care of acute sexual assault victims, as well as the relevance of these approaches in the context of all patients who may have a history of sexual violence. It’s important to note that not all hospitals have forensic nurses available 24/7. This webinar will strive to increase the number of hospital staff trained on how to address sexual harm by incorporating six basic principles of trauma-informed care. Additional resources will be shared to assist with continued staff development aimed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to provide a safe and supportive environment to victims of sexual violence.
Objectives
· Provide a clear explanation of trauma-informed care principles and their relevance in the context of sexual assault.
· Demonstrate how to incorporate trauma-informed approaches into routine care, focusing on communication, empathy, and creating a safe environment.
· Highlight the importance of coordinating with other professionals involved in the care of sexual assault victims, including law enforcement, victim advocates, and mental health professionals.
Presented by Tracey Vogel, MD. Dr. Vogel is an Obstetric Anesthesiologist, trained sexual assault counselor, and the creator and Director of the Perinatal Trauma-informed Care Clinic in Pittsburgh. Among her many achievements and accolades, she is part of the governor’s HEAL PA Taskforce seeking to make Pennsylvania a trauma-aware state.
This project was supported by Subgrant Number 44566 awarded to PCCD by the Federal Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice’s STOP Formula Grant Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the reviews of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the U.S. Department of Justice.
Effective collaboration is the foundation of a successful and productive team. The following video series and accompanying materials address key components of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team response to sexual violence. Designed with busy teams in mind, this series of short videos recorded by experts in the field with related activity materials are meant to be integrated into team meetings to help grow and foster stronger relationships and better serve survivors of sexual assault, abuse and harassment.