Trauma Survivor Services

For more than 30 years, the Feminist Women's Health Center has been nationally recognized for our excellence, safety and compassion. Our Survivor Abortion Care program seeks to address the specific physical and emotional needs of our clients by offering a unique program for survivors of violence to include domestic or gang violence, sexual assault, abuse, or incest.

If you have experienced sexual abuse or violence, having a gynecological exam or an abortion may be difficult. At our clinic, our health care practitioners and counselors are trained to provide sensitive care specially designed for women who are survivors of sexual violence. We encourage you to bring a support person who may stay with you during the process and we will provide you a private space during your stay. Our primary objective is to create a safe atmosphere where you will be able to help us plan the best approach for your appointment process.

The Counseling Session

The counseling session has no time limit, and any questions or concerns you have will be addressed. For some survivors, the experience of sexual violence can drastically impact feelings about receiving any kind of GYN care.

The counselor's primary task is to help you assess how you are feeling about the exam or procedure on the day of your visit. If you are very distressed, you may wish to visit the clinic, meet the staff, and then re-schedule the exam or procedure for another day. The counselor will help you evaluate how you felt about pelvic exams before the sexual abuse incident occurred, how you feel about them now, and what approach will help you feel safe and in control.

During the Appointment

• A friend may be present with you during the exams and counseling, if you wish.
• We want you to have all the time you need to feel informed and ready for the medical portion of your visit.
• You will receive information on support groups and counseling referrals, if needed.
• For an abortion appointment, we will work with you and law enforcement to arrange for DNA analysis, if needed.

Any other suggestions or ideas you have to make your visit a healing experience is welcomed.

If you need more information about Assault/Incest Survivor care program, ask to speak directly to Robin. Our phone numbers are 404-728-7900 or 1-800-877-6013.

For more information, check out our brochure Sensitive Care for Survivors of Physical Violence or Trauma.

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If you need more information about Assault/Incest Survivor care program, ask to speak directly to Robin. Our phone numbers are 404-728-7900 or 1-800-877-6013.