What is Trauma?

Our definition of trauma is adapted from the Transformation Center brochure Trauma and the Peer Movement (2008).

"Trauma shapes and informs our interactions with ourselves and others.
It has a profound impact on our body, mind and spirit, often resulting in isolation, disconnection, learned helplessness, shame, rage, self-loathing, guilt, and adverse physical conditions, including addiction.
Traumatic events can be shocking and terrifying.
These events can include violence between people, abuse of any kind, neglect, institutionalization, disasters, or war.
Trauma often involves betrayal by a trusted person or institution.
Recovery for trauma is possible for all. The healing experience is transformative."

Ten Principles of Trauma-Informed Services

Principle 1. Trauma- Informed Services recognize the impact of violence and victimization on development and coping strategies

Principle 2. Trauma- Informed Sevices identify recovery from trauma as a primary goal

Principle 3. Trauma- Informed Services employ an empowerment model

Principle 4. Trauma- Informed Services strive to maximize a person's choices and control over her/ his recovery

Principle 5. Trauma- Informed Services are based in a relational collaboration

Principle 6. Trauma- Informed Services create an atmosphere that is respectful of survivor's need for safety, respect, and assistance

Principle 7. Trauma- Informed Services emphasize women's strengths, highlighting adaptions over symptoms and resilience over pathology

Principle 8. The goal of Trauma- Informed Services is to minimize the possibilities of retraumatization

Principle 9. Trauma- Informed Services strive to be culturally competent and to understand each person in the context of his/her life experiences and cultural background

Principle 10. Trauma- Informed agencies solicit consumer input and involve consumers in designing and evaluating services

Trauma- Denied: Principles and Implimentation
"Trauma- Informeed or of Trauma- Informed Services for Women"
Journal of Community Psychology
Elliott, D., Bjelajacc, P., Fallot, R. D., Markoff, L. S., Reed, B. G.

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