Research shows more than half of women and almost one in three men in the United States are survivors of sexual violence involving physical contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline reports that 29% of women and 10% of men in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by a partner and that it affected their functioning.
Victims of abuse may seek emergency care in the moment yet avoid follow-up visits or basic annual medical exams out of fear, anxiety, lack of resources, or all of the above.
That’s where Endeavor Health’s Pathways program comes in. The program recently opened a dedicated primary care clinic with specially-trained staff who understand survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence have specific concerns and trauma, and has taken steps to provide compassionate, care for patients who are affected by assault.
Dedicated primary care clinic
In March 2025, Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital began seeing patients at a trauma-informed primary care clinic dedicated to caring for survivors of gender-based violence. It’s an outpatient primary care center providing family medicine, but with an added layer of expertise.
The staff at this primary care clinic are trained to understand the unique needs and concerns of survivors, and tailor visits to accommodate and support them.
“Say somebody left a violent relationship, but when they were in it their partner strangled them regularly and as a result, the patient now has hearing loss. Most providers would just treat the hearing loss. In this patient population, a trauma-informed provider might also screen for traumatic brain injury,” said Mariá Wilburn, Pathways program manager.
“What makes this clinic unique is that we’re doing general family medicine through a trauma-informed lens. That means we understand how experiencing violence can impact healthcare outcomes,” Wilburn said. “We also schedule longer visits than a typical primary care visit, which gives us time to build rapport and for patients to share their concerns.”
Melissa Murph, NP, nurse practitioner with Endeavor Health, treats patients at the clinic. Murph is trained in trauma-informed care and is aware of the comorbidities often faced by survivors, such as substance dependency, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-concussive syndrome, anxiety/depression, sexually transmitted infections and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The program includes an advocate who can ensure the patient has a plan and means to pick up medication, schedule an appointment with a specialist or even get an order of protection if needed. It also includes a trauma therapist who is available to provide ongoing therapy if recommended.
“We’re really focused on offering our patients choices and options, we see self-determination as a critical step in healing. Not just physically but in their spirit and their soul,” Wilburn said. “Someone else has made every decision for them, so we find that we get people to a healing place by helping them reclaim that agency over their lives.”
Right now, patients are referred to the clinic by Endeavor Health providers or community victim service organizations. Patients vary from recent trauma survivors to those farther along in their healing journey.
Commitment to a full and healthy recovery
“When their needs are addressed gently, with respect and compassion, children, teens and special needs adults who have been sexually abused often respond in ways that are truly inspiring. They grow to become more resilient, more mature and stronger than anyone could ever imagine,” Murph said.
“It is our privilege to help provide the answers and reassurance that survivors and their loved ones need. We believe that everyone we see is deserving and capable of a full and healthy recovery, and we are dedicated to being a part of that process.”
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