Obstetric-gynecologic care and survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Abstract

Women's health care providers have few resources to guide them in giving sensitive care to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This article reviews some commonly seen coping responses, discusses ways in which these coping responses may affect the experience of gynecologic or obstetric care, and provides suggestions on how the care provider can facilitate the patient's process of healing. Also addressed is the need of care providers to process the often intense feelings evoked by issues of sexual violence and abuse.