Dealing with Trauma

Tips for working with individuals in Trauma include:

• Keep in mind an understanding of the individual's experience as a victim and a realization that the trauma typically extends beyond the present criminal.
• There may have been multiple prior incidents, only one of which has been reported and/or prosecuted. In cases of domestic violence or child abuse you can be fairly certain this will be the case.
• Don't assume you understand the impact of the crime on the victim, or what the most difficult part of the victim's experience has been for the individual. Ask – the victim may need help to understand what they are experiencing.
• Remember that no one is in a position to tell a victim what his or her response should, or should not be.