Trauma-Informed Responses to Victims of Crime

Little has been written about trauma-informed criminal justice agency responses to victims of crime. This chapter explains why taking a trauma-informed approach when working with and responding to victims of crime is essential. Trauma-informed justice responses to victims of crime ensure that practices are ethical and legal, as well as promote better personal and systemic outcomes. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. US Department of Health and Human Services.) trauma-informed practice framework is used to demonstrate trauma-informed criminal justice practices. The work that emphasises the importance of trauma-informed responses to victims of crime has focused on violence against women and children. However, trauma-informed practice should be universal. Training and consistency of approach are crucial to ensuring all victims of crime receive appropriate, trauma-informed responses at every stage of the criminal justice process.