Demystifying Rape and Sexual Encounters for Medical Interpreters

The webinar seeks to demystify a rape or sexual assault encounter for interpreters. To provide the interpreter with an understanding of what is rape, sexual assault, victimology, violent crimes, myths and facts. With the intent of creating a broad base of knowledge on the topic to be prepared to interpret while staying with the confines of the role. To recognize if they have the capacity to handle the emotional context of this work, that can cause vicarious trauma or haunt the interpreter for a long time. The code of ethics will be reviewed, to discuss boundaries, they will learn about the national statistics on rape and sexual assault (female/male), how to approach an LEP/Deaf victim, the best “mode” of interpretation, and many resources for pre, post, and during the session. Graphic language, visual of areas that are most impacted during a rape/assault will be shown, as well as an in-depth explanation of a medical forensic examination, and a video of the exam. The intent is to demystify it and educate so there isn’t apprehension when you are requested for an interpretation and to know if you are able to faithfully interpret. 

Learning Objectives:

• Build a foundation of understanding, best practices, and understanding of the role of the interpreter in a rape or sexual assault interpretation. 
• How to best serve the LEP patient, while staying in the interpreter role, in a situation that is emotionally charged and has legal connotation.
• Know best practices, preferences, how to engage the legal aspect of the encounter, working with officers.
• To understand the EMT / Ambulance impact on the patients care and the medical exam in the emergency room. 
• Will have a clear view of how to serve the LEP and all those involved in the encounter/session with precision, empathy, and without ever stepping out of his/her role. 

About the Presenter:

Patricia A Alonzo is a Trilingual Interpreter. Her interpreting experience and background are working with Spanish Limited English individual and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community. With a focus on the Spanish Deaf Community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College Chicago in American Sign Language Interpreting a Master’s in Education and is currently a doctoral candidate with a research focus on LEP health outcomes when using an interpreter. She works for Stratus Video and has been a Language Operations Manager and now the Hiring Manager for the Language Operations Team. Where she has the pleasure of growing the interpreting team. Her passion is bridging the gap of communication. Making sure all individuals have the power and dignity to make good healthcare decisions in their language.