Purpose: The objective of this study was to explore abuse survivor perspectives on optimal physician approaches to trauma inquiry in prenatal care.
Methods: Focus group involving six adult female abuse survivors.
Results: Five themes emerged for framing "safe" trauma inquiry: (1) a clear definition of trauma, (2) clear purpose for inquiry, (3) reassurance that inquiry was routine, (4) confidentiality, and (5) mention of helpful resources other than psychiatric therapy.
Conclusions: Explaining the purpose of trauma inquiry may be important for effectively engaging abuse survivors in obstetrics.
Keywords: Abuse; Disclosure; Obstetrics; Survivor perspectives; Trauma inquiry.