This presentation explores the often-unseen fear, vulnerability, and emotional risk survivors experience when seeking medical care after domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking. While healthcare systems are designed to promote healing and provide essential care, many survivors approach them with intense anxiety and uncertainty. Survivors may fear being recognized by someone they know in a small community, worry that insurance notifications or billing statements could reach an abusive partner, feel uncertain about who can access their medical records through patient portals, or feel unsafe when follow-up calls, surveys, or mailed correspondence arrive unexpectedly. Through a survivor-centered lens, this session walks participants step-by-step through what it can truly feel like for a survivor to seek medical care after violence. From the difficult decision to go to the hospital, to the intake process, forensic exams, documentation, billing procedures, and post-visit follow-ups, participants will gain insight into the complex emotional and safety considerations survivors must navigate. The session will highlight how routine healthcare processes, though well-intended, can unintentionally retraumatize survivors or place them at additional risk. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of these challenges and practical strategies for implementing trauma-informed practices that prioritize survivor safety, dignity, autonomy, and trust throughout the healthcare experience.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Johanna Kay Bolte is the Director of Advocacy at Someplace Safe, overseeing advocates across nine rural Minnesota counties who support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes. A former nurse with 15 years of clinical experience, Jo also serves survivors as an advocate, including Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) work supporting incarcerated individuals.