A trauma-informed care approach to conducting forensic medical and psychological evaluations for female asylum seekers

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.