This section includes training materials that cover important foundational concepts to help readers think through key elements of providing trauma-informed services. Learning basic information about the ways that the mind and body respond to stress and trauma can change how we understand our own feelings and behavior, as well as those of others. It is also important to make sure that we are putting what we know about trauma and the principles of trauma-informed care into practice—and while doing trauma-informed work looks different in different contexts, there are some common elements.
The materials included here contain background information as well as practical tips about what it looks like to do trauma-informed work. For example, doing trauma-informed work at a DV program includes ensuring everyone feels welcomed and included, providing survivors with information about trauma in a thoughtful way that normalizes their experiences, emphasizing emotional safety as much as physical safety, and providing a non-judgmental environment in which survivors can safely discuss their mental health and substance abuse-related needs and receive culturally relevant support, resources, and referrals. The resources in this section will help you to think through both the principles and practical side of doing trauma-informed work.
Materials in this section include fact sheets and informational documents, training curricula and materials, links to online courses, training exercises like role-plays, and discussion questions. Materials that can be helpful in developing training programs are also included. Some of these materials have been designed specifically for DV programs and services, while others are not specific to DV but contain information that can be useful to DV victim advocates.