Trauma informed practice

IfJ is committed to the development of knowledge and understanding of Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) in the Justice System. It is vital that intermediaries, social workers, barristers, solicitors, appropriate adults, judges and others understand that a reaction to a traumatic event is a physiological adaptive response to threat. This response can shut down the higher cognitive functions of the brain and careful informed handling is required for a person to be able to describe what has happened to them.

This section of our resource centre will be of interest to professionals in the justice system and members of the public, as the flow of knowledge around TIP spreads between disciplines.

Trauma and the Brain: Understanding abuse survivors responses

This animation is for any professional working with a service user when GBV is a feature in the case.

Domestic Abuse Still Matters - Practice Update

This short film covers advice on Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPN's), recognising trauma and how to respond to victims affected by trauma.

An overview of Trauma Informed Practice

This short film covers areas such a defence mechanisms, body/ brain/somatic responses and some basic strategies for copying.

Domestic Abuse Still Matters

This short film provides useful practice guidance in relation to domestic abuse incidence. It covers guidance on DVPNs, advice on recognising trauma and how to respond to victims affected by trauma.

People, not just books: An Investigation into the Knowledge and Understanding of Trauma Informed Practice in The Justice System, (2023)

This thesis was written by Dr Catherine O'Neill, IfJ Chair and was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Policing. The PhD was guided by the following research question: How do Professionals working in the Justice System perceive the current state of Trauma Informed Practice?

Summary: People, not just books: An Investigation into the Knowledge and Experience of Trauma Informed Practice in the Justice System, (2023)

A 66 page PDF summary with coloured graphics of Dr Catherine O'Neill's thesis 'People, not just books: An Investigation into the Knowledge and Experience of Trauma Informed Practice in the Justice System'.

Trauma Informed Practice

An introduction to Trauma Informed Practice, including indications of trauma and helpful practices and strategies.