Your safety belongs in your health care

The short answer: You can ask a health professional for help with violence, pressure, fear, or unwanted sexual contact. You do not have to wait for a visible injury or decide every next step before seeking care. If there is immediate danger, call 911 or move to a safer place if you can. PM41 PM42 PM43

Before using online resources: If someone monitors your device or accounts, consider using a safer phone or computer. A private-browsing window or quick-exit button does not guarantee that activity is hidden. A trained advocate can help you think through communication and safety. PM42

What can affect your health?

Intimate partner violence can include physical injury, sexual coercion, emotional abuse, stalking, and controlling behavior. It may occur in a current or former relationship. Medical care can address physical symptoms and emotional distress while also helping connect you with support. PM41

Tell the clinician if someone interferes with your medicines, contraception, appointments, money, transport, or ability to speak privately. You can start with, “I need to discuss something without my partner or family in the room.” If speaking openly is difficult, ask staff how to communicate safely. A useful response should begin with listening to what you need and what feels possible.

When medical care is urgent

After an assault, seek urgent assessment for trouble breathing, head or neck injury, loss of consciousness, severe pain, bleeding, or pregnancy-related concerns. Pressure to the neck or choking deserves prompt medical evaluation, even if external injuries look minor. Tell the clinician exactly what happened so hidden injury can be considered. PM59

After sexual assault, prompt care can offer injury evaluation, pregnancy prevention when appropriate, infection prevention, testing, and support. HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP, must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure, and sooner is better. Do not delay asking because you do not know whether the exposure meets the criteria; the clinician assesses that. PM44 PM45

Medical help can still be valuable after that window. Follow-up tests, treatment of injuries or infections, and emotional support remain important. Ask a local sexual-assault service what medical and forensic options apply to your situation. This page does not make promises about every facility's availability or about reporting rules. PM44

Support does not require an immediate decision to leave

Leaving an abusive relationship can involve risks, and the best next step depends on the situation. A personalized safety plan may cover a safe contact, essential medicines, transport, a place to go, children, documents, and safer communication. You can speak with an advocate while still deciding what to do. PM42

The National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, provides support and safety planning and can connect people with local services. Use a safe communication method if possible. For an immediate threat, use emergency services rather than waiting for a routine hotline conversation. PM43

Ask for a medical visit that gives you control

You may request an explanation before an examination, permission before touch, a support person or chaperone when appropriate, and a pause when needed. You can tell the clinician that certain parts of care are difficult without giving a full account of trauma. Ask what alternatives exist and which parts are medically necessary today. ACOG supports trauma-informed care that prioritizes safety and avoids unnecessary repetition of distressing histories and examinations. PM50

A useful phrase is: “I want help, but I need you to explain each step and check with me before continuing.” If a clinician of a particular gender or an interpreter would help you access care, ask what can be arranged. Urgent medical needs still require timely assessment, and the team should explain the options clearly.

Emotional symptoms after trauma can improve

Trauma can be followed by sleep problems, unwanted memories, anxiety, avoidance, depression, or feeling constantly on guard. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, medicine, or both. When danger is ongoing, the plan needs to address current safety as well as symptoms. Ask whether a therapist has training in the type of trauma-related treatment you need. PM24

Seek immediate help for suicidal distress or inability to stay safe: call or text 988, or call 911 when danger is immediate. You can also tell your primary-care clinician, “I need help managing the effects of what happened.” Seeking medical support does not require presenting a perfectly organized story. PM20

Questions you can ask privately

• How can I contact the clinic without putting myself at risk?
• Who can see visit notes, messages, or insurance paperwork?
• Can you explain any reporting obligations before I share details?
• What medical treatment or time-sensitive prevention do I need?
• Is a trained advocate or sexual-assault clinician available?
• What follow-up should be arranged, and who will help me reach it?

Fresno care note: Use the verified local resource directory for community advocacy, sexual-assault support, and medical care. Confirm the service needed directly; a general medical clinic may not provide a forensic examination.