Responding to the Sociopolitical Complexity of Trauma: An Integration of Theory and Practice

Abstract

This article calls attention to the complexity of trauma by enhancing the awareness of the intersectionality of race, class, and gender among oppressed groups, specifically women from marginalized populations, and underscores that consideration of such is essential for the creation of systems of care that are truly trauma-informed. Advancing the integration of theory and practice, we provide a rationale for adopting a postmodern feminist perspective to facilitate the creation of trauma-informed systems of care that take into account the complexity of trauma among this population, leading to comprehensive treatment that furthers the social work mission of social justice.Trauma experiences are inherently complex and present, in those exposed to them, a wide range of reactions that affect all aspects of their lives. Therefore, it is essential to create systems of care that respond to the complexity and diversity of trauma experienced in the lives of those whom practitioners in the helping professions serve in the context of various systems and agencies of service delivery. This article discusses the significance of applying a postmodern feminist perspective to practice to understand and respond to the sociopolitical complexity of trauma. We take the position that such a response will help create trauma informed systems of care specifically for women from marginalized communities, as this combination positions them at the intersection of gender and social condition-related risks for

Trauma-Informed Education Practice in Cambodia

“…The themes outlined in the diagram below are sequential and interwoven and interconnected in a traumacentered approach (Downey, 2007;Australian Childhood Foundation, 2010;Quiros and Berger, 2015). If encouragement is the key response from teachers and leads to behavioral change and a calmer classroom and school yard, then this is the place where a child is able to establish connections and build relationships essential for healthy socio-emotional development (Szalavitz and Perry, 2010).…”

“…Social work has critiqued the dominance of the medical model in response to trauma, arguing that the wider context of clients" lives is largely neglected because the hegemonic medical paradigm is wedded to traditional psychiatry (Westoby and Ingmells, 2010;Knight, 2015;Quiros and Berger, 2015). This does not mean that social work rejects the medical model or neurodevelopmental approaches; instead it asserts that a range of knowledge is important to address the holistic needs of individuals and communities.…”

“…This does not mean that social work rejects the medical model or neurodevelopmental approaches; instead it asserts that a range of knowledge is important to address the holistic needs of individuals and communities. Social workers argue that to become trauma-informed, a system must recognize trauma as both interpersonal and socio-political, and focus on fostering safety, respectful relationships, collaboration and empowerment at all levels of service delivery (Quiros and Berger, 2015). Publications by social workers in the field of trauma take into consideration the nexus between material circumstances, cultural context and diversity (Allan and Hess, 2010;Atkinson, 2013;Knight, 2015).…”

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice with Women with Disabilities: Working with Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

“…Concepts drawn from critical disability theory and feminist disability theory provide a thorough foundation for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed practice with survivors with disabilities. Traditional trauma theory neglects to consider the diversity of experiences shaped by race, ethnicity, and disability status, among other identities (Quiros & Berger, 2015). The tenets of critical disability theory and feminist disability theory remind practitioners of the salience of intersecting identity statuses to each individual's experience of trauma.…”

“…Quiros and Berger (2015) note that an agency that is truly trauma-informed must align itself with the social work mission of social justice, considering structural and environmental conditions when assessing trauma; that is, trauma is experienced on both interpersonal and sociopolitical levels. A comprehensive, traumainformed response to IPV for women with disabilities must begin by addressing the full constellation of disability-related risk factors and consequences of abuse, at both personal and structural levels.…”