For Judges, Police & Prosecutors
Your role is not just to find the truth, but to ensure that the pursuit of justice does not destroy the person seeking it. Trauma-informed practice is a requirement, not an option.
Trauma-Informed Justice
Neurobiology of Trauma
Understand that trauma affects memory. Inconsistencies in a victim's story are often signs of trauma, not evidence of lying.
Secondary Victimization
Avoid aggressive questioning that mimics the abuse. The way you ask a question is as important as the question itself.
Power Dynamics
Recognize the inherent power imbalance in the courtroom and the interrogation room. Your authority can be intimidating and silencing.
Cultural Competency
Be aware of how identity (LGBT+, race, disability) affects a victim's trust in the system and their ability to speak.
Improving the process
- Minimize Interviews: Every time a victim repeats their story, they are re-traumatized. Use recorded forensic interviews whenever possible.
- Safe Environments: Ensure that waiting rooms and interview rooms are private and non-threatening.
- Clear Communication: Explain every step of the process. Uncertainty is a major trigger for trauma survivors.
- Respect Boundaries: Allow for breaks. If a victim becomes overwhelmed or dissociates, stop the process immediately.
Justice requires empathy
A system that ignores the human cost of its processes is not a just system. By adopting trauma-informed practices, you improve the quality of evidence and the integrity of the verdict.