What Is Trauma-Informed Support?

Trauma-informed support is an approach to assisting NCII victims that recognizes the psychological impact of victimization and prioritizes avoiding re-traumatization. Key principles include: safety (ensuring the victim feels safe and in control of the process); trustworthiness (transparent communication about what will happen); choice (offering options rather than directing specific actions); collaboration (working with rather than directing the victim); and empowerment (building on the victim's existing strengths). Trauma-informed support differs from conventional support by acknowledging that standard systems, law enforcement, medical, legal, can inadvertently cause additional harm through victim-blaming, inadequate confidentiality, or re-exposure to content.

Key facts about this term

1. Seek trauma-specialized resources for NCII support CCRI, RAINN, and NNEDV provide trauma-informed support specifically designed for image-based abuse victims.
2. Assert your right to control the process You decide who knows about the situation, what steps you take, and in what order. Trauma-informed support respects this.
3. Request trauma-informed handling from law enforcement if you report Many jurisdictions have trained trauma-informed officers. You can request to speak with an officer trained in sexual violence response.