Medical providers and institutions promote the importance of informed consent so that patients make the best decisions for their health and treatment. Informed consent is especially important for sexual assault survivors whose safety, humanity, and autonomy have been violated. Unfortunately, many immigrant survivors of sexual assault often do not receive informed consent due to lack of language access and justice; cultural competency, responsiveness, and humility; diverse representation of providers and staff; and the perceived efficiency of fast-pace treatment in an emergency room setting.

This session will expand the capacity of advocates, interventionist, and medical providers’ advocacy while supporting immigrant survivors and navigating medical settings and institutions survivors need to access in their journey to healing. Participants will also learn strategies of self-care, resilience, and restoration that is required for sustainability especially for providers of color who face institutional oppression while we advocate for survivors.

Speaker

Paula Gomez Stordy, Patricia Emmanueli

Area of Focus

Advocacy and Intervention for Survivors