Using feminist theory as a research method in the examination of trauma-informed care in a non-profit organisation

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to gather information about the experiences of staff at a non-profit agency in the United States as the organisation transitioned towards the implementation of trauma-informed care (TIC). In non-profit organisations, TIC (that is, safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment) enhances the wellbeing of employees and clients by acknowledging the impact of trauma and reducing the risk of retraumatisation. Feminist theory was utilised to inform this study to empower participants to voice their experiences and to analyse the organisation’s commitment to the principles of TIC. Four focus groups were conducted (N = 17 participants in total) and all participants reported that the organisational culture was moving in a positive direction. Even in the early stages of the implementation of TIC, management reported feeling empowered and supported by the organisation; however, many participants noted that significant work will need to continue to enhance the emotional safety and empowerment of direct-line workers.

Charity and Abuse: Fundraising and Symbolic Power in the Case of Jimmy Savile

“…As part of these wider concerns, feminist theory and method are increasingly applied within charity studies (e.g., Dale & Breeze, 2022; Gillespie et al, 2019; Hardner & Wolf, 2022; Lau, 2022). Many of these empirical works seek to document women and girls’ continued discrimination or abuse in the charity sector.…”