My Body Back clinic celebrates 10th birthday
A clinic which supports survivors of sexual assault is celebrating ten years since it was launched.
Since August 2015, the My Body Back clinic has been providing trauma-informed cervical screenings within our sexual health service. Originally at St Bartholomew's Hospital, the clinic moved to Mile End Hospital in 2018, and the number of women seen has risen from 36 to just under 150 a year
As well as cervical screening, the clinic supports STI testing, maternity care, and sexual health support—all provided by staff trained to work specifically with survivors. Appointments are tailored to the needs of the survivor, for example ensuring the environment is calm and safe, the language used is survivor-centred and suitable adjustments are made to ensure the survivors are not re-triggered.
The project, which is run by volunteers, was founded by Pavan Amara, a survivor herself. Following her sexual assault, she noticed how difficult it was to access routine healthcare—things like smear tests, contraception, or even just being examined—without being re-traumatised. She spoke to other survivors who felt the same and collaborated with researchers and clinicians at Barts Health, which resulted in the clinic being set up by Dr Jill Zelin and colleagues.
Dr Felicity Saunders, a senior clinical psychologist, at Barts Health, said: “Unfortunately, trauma doesn’t end when the incident or incidents do. Survivors often avoid medical care for years, which can put their physical and mental health at risk and costly to the NHS. My Body Back is about restoring trust—in the body, in healthcare, and in being heard. Everyone deserves access to healthcare that respects their experiences.
“We are proud to be celebrating our 10 years this year but are very much planning for the next 10.”
Natalie found the service ‘invaluable’ after she was sexually assaulted in August 2021.
She said: "My Body Back supports survivors by empowering them to continue to choose to survive, and the health care they provide is life saving.
“Through being trauma-informed, patient centered and compassionate, it gently allows survivors to feel powerful again.
“My Body Back also re-teaches survivors to express autonomy, ultimately to take their body back and feel at home in their body again, which is invaluable."