PURPOSE:
At least one in four women has a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Women make up 98% of midwifery workforce. Therefore, midwives care for survivors of sexual trauma every day and many midwives are also survivors of sexual trauma. Survivors of CSA often experience complex and long-lasting psychological trauma into adulthood. Trauma-informed care (TIC) must therefore be embedded within maternity services as a priority, for the safety and wellbeing of both women and the maternity workforce.

DISCUSSION:
Trauma-informed care is no longer optional, it is essential. This presentation will delve into the critical need for trauma-informed approaches through an in-depth analysis of a compelling case study. The case study centres on the lived experience of a survivor of CSA, tracing her journey through four very different births. Her story illustrates, with clarity and urgency, how both trauma-insensitive and trauma-skilled care can shape a woman’s experience and recovery, and what we, as midwives, must do differently.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The evidence is compelling. Leeners et al. (2010) found a strong association between a history of CSA and complications such as premature labour, cervical insufficiency, and obstructed labour. Montogomery (2025) states there is a higher prevalence of CSA survivors within maternity workforce that are negatively impacted by lack of awareness of TIC and recognition.

KEY MESSAGE:
Survivors of CSA can experience significant psychological trauma during pregnancy and birth. When midwives are trauma-skilled and practice within a trauma-informed framework, they can mitigate re-traumatising women. As the ICM 2026 theme “One Million More Midwives” calls for rapid workforce expansion, it is critical to share trauma-skilled education and knowledge. By equipping both new and experienced midwives with the tools to recognise and respond to trauma, we not only improve outcomes for women, we retain staff and care for our maternity workforce who are also survivors SRHR - FGM