A trauma-informed care approach to conducting forensic medical and psychological evaluations for female asylum seekers
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6429958 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Lisa Pardee (0009-0005-4617-7252, corresponding author), Yen‐ni Hung (0000-0001-9209-7417), Lameya Rahman, Grishma Patel (0009-0003-9579-2687), Nicole Munoz (0000-0002-1957-5782), Veronica Ades (0000-0002-9163-7511) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 324-342 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Migration Health and Social Care (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2042-8650 • E-ISSN: 1747-9894 |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1108/ijmhsc-05-2024-0052 |
| OpenAlex | W4410010047 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 34 |
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to detail the importance of implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) during forensic medical evaluations (FMEs) and forensic psychological evaluations (FPEs) for female asylees applying for asylum on the grounds of sexual and gender-based violence. FMEs or FPEs can be retraumatizing, as applicants must recount their trauma history during clinical visits, which may result in difficulty recalling vital details of their traumatic experiences. Design/methodology/approach The authors reviewed literature published until 2023 that details the clinical competencies clinicians providing evaluations for female asylees must have and describe articles outlining the potential implementation of TIC during FMEs/FPEs. The authors address how required clinical competencies may differ based on the trauma(s) female asylees have experienced such as female genital mutilation/cutting. Findings TIC acknowledges the need for clinicians to recognize the pervasive effects trauma possesses on patients’ lives. Implementation involves the adoption of culturally sensitive practices and comprehensive knowledge of trauma and associated health sequelae. Female asylees who have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting require nuanced care that accounts for cultural dynamics and co-morbidities such as PTSD and depression, heightened by the retraumatizing nature of the gynecological evaluation. Practical implications TIC practices may be used in all facets of the health-care field when treating patients with a history of trauma. These practices facilitate an environment of safety and trust within health-care experiences and may improve long-term health outcomes. Originality/value This review synthesizes the literature on TIC in FMEs and FPEs for health care providers, offering a novel approach to improving the quality of affidavits written for female asylees
Criminology · Forensic science · Political science · Psychiatry · Refugee · Seekers · Clinical Psychology · Health and Conflict Studies · Law · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Psychology · Torture, Ethics, and Law
Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach at a Student-Run Clinic for Individuals Seeking Asylum
Cultural Competence in Refugee Service Settings
Training Considerations for Providers Engaged in Refugee Mental Health Care
Mental health as the cornerstone of effective medical-legal partnerships for asylum-seekers
Mental Health in Women Victims of Gender Violence
Exploring Female Genital Cutting Among Survivors of Torture
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting as Grounds for Asylum Requests in the US
Violence en route
Coping and chronic psychosocial consequences of female genital mutilation in the Netherlands
It's About Time
Sexual and gender-based violence against refugee women
Strategies of denial
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |