In this activity, we will dive deep into the concept of retraumatisation—how certain situations or responses can unintentionally trigger past trauma in survivors of violence. By understanding the dynamics of retraumatisation, we will explore ways to prevent it in spaces where survivors are supported. This activity will help you identify potential triggers and rethink your approach to service provision, emphasising empathy, active listening, and thoughtful intervention to ensure that survivors feel safe and respected. By engaging in these discussions, we will work together to create environments that facilitate healing, dignity, and empowerment for those affected by violence.
This activity was made as a part of One Future Collective’s Catalysing Change Toolkit, which includes a variety of facilitation materials, such as activities, reflective exercises, energizers, games, ice-breakers, and more. You can utilise these tools in your communities—be it at your workplace, within your family, or among friends—to bring about meaningful change. Through these resources, you can engage in reflection, foster dialogue, raise awareness, and advocate for important issues.
Remember, change starts with you, today. So let’s dive in!
✨ Why This Matters
Survivors of violence often navigate the complex process of healing while carrying the weight of past trauma. In some cases, certain environments, interactions, or responses can inadvertently activate memories or sensations tied to that trauma, a phenomenon known as retraumatisation. This can occur even in seemingly neutral or unintentional situations, where triggers are not always obvious but can deeply impact an individual’s sense of safety and emotional wellbeing. Retraumatization can manifest in various forms, from heightened anxiety to dissociation or even physical responses like panic. In service provision, being attuned to these potential triggers is crucial for creating spaces where survivors feel truly supported. This activity will guide you in recognising and addressing these triggers, offering strategies to prevent retraumatisation and foster an environment conducive to healing. By embedding trauma-informed care into your practice, you will be better equipped to respond to survivors in ways that prioritise their dignity, safety, and autonomy.
🎯 What You’ll Unlock
- The ability to identify possible points of retraumatization for survivors of violence.
- Concrete strategies to prevent retraumatization and enhance safety and empathy in support settings.
- A deeper understanding of how trauma-informed care can be applied in practice.
🧑🏫 Who Can Facilitate
This activity is designed for facilitators working with small groups of service providers, especially those supporting survivors of violence. It aims to build skills around recognising and preventing retraumatization in service delivery.
🎭 What You’ll Need
Pen
Paper
⏳ Clocking It In
30 minutes
| 🌀 Step-by-Step Facilitation Guide 🌀 |
| Step 1: Setting the Stage (5 minutes) Start by introducing the concept of retraumatisation. Briefly explain that retraumatisation occurs when a survivor of violence is exposed to reminders of their traumatic experience, causing emotional and physiological responses. Highlight that retraumatisation can take place in a variety of settings, including health services, legal systems, or even in personal relationships. Key points to address: 𖥔 Traumatic memories can be triggered by seemingly ordinary events or responses. 𖥔 Retraumatisation can lead to emotional and physical distress, impeding healing and furthering feelings of disempowerment. 𖥔 Trauma-informed care helps minimise the risk of retraumatisation by focusing on creating safe, empowering environments. Step 2: Ideation (15 minutes) Use the attached table below (or create your own) listing common actions, behaviours, or situations that might retraumatise survivors of violence. These could include things like invasive questions, lack of privacy, or dismissive attitudes.Invite participants to reflect on these examples and discuss in groups why they might be retraumatising. Encourage participants to share their thoughts on how these actions, though perhaps well-intentioned, can unintentionally harm survivors. Guiding questions for reflection: 𖥔 What specific behaviours or actions can you identify that could trigger trauma responses in survivors? 𖥔 Why might these actions be perceived as retraumatising, even if they are not meant to be harmful? 𖥔 How can we be more mindful of our interactions to prevent these triggers? 𖥔 After the reflection, guide participants in brainstorming alternatives to these retraumatising actions. Ask them to think about specific interventions or adjustments that could be made to avoid triggering past trauma. Encourage them to suggest alternatives such as:How to communicate in ways that empower survivors and make them feel heard.Creating safe spaces where survivors have control over their choices and actions.Training others (staff, family, and so on) to understand the importance of empathetic listening and validating emotions. Step 3: Sharing and Discussing (5 minutes) Invite each group to share the strategies they came up with to prevent retraumatisation. Ask participants to give concrete examples of how they could implement these strategies in their daily work with survivors. After each group presents, encourage the other participants to offer feedback and additional suggestions. Reflective questions for the discussion: 𖥔 What did you learn from hearing about the alternatives other groups proposed? 𖥔 Which strategies do you think would be most effective in your current context? 𖥔 How can you incorporate these strategies into your own practice, and who might you need to engage to make these changes happen? Step 4: Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes) Wrap up the activity by asking participants to reflect on the importance of trauma-informed care and how preventing retraumatisation can improve outcomes for survivors. Emphasise that this is an ongoing learning process and that awareness of retraumatisation is just one step towards creating safer spaces. Key takeaways for reflection: 𖥔 How can this activity influence your approach to working with survivors? 𖥔 What practical steps will you take to ensure that retraumatisation is prevented in your work environment? 𖥔 What additional resources or training might you need to build on this understanding of retraumatisation? Conclude by encouraging participants to continue reflecting on the importance of trauma-informed care and to actively integrate these learnings into their day-to-day interactions with survivors. |
To explore further how trauma-informed care can be applied in supporting survivors, we recommend reading our book Planting Dandelions, which provides additional insights on building a compassionate, survivor-centred approach. Access it here!
Table 1.
| What could cause the person to be traumatised? | Why does it contribute to retraumatisation? | How can you support the survivor through a trauma-informed lens? |
| Using labels / vocabulary such as “victim”, “alleged victim” etc. | ||
| Obligation for women to tell their account to each professional along the different phases of the claim. | ||
| Failing to assess what they need in the process of accountability and justice. | ||
| Testifying before unqualified staff. | ||
| Police interacting with the person in formal equipment (uniforms, vehicles with police identification etc.). | ||
| Failing to inform them about the process or to ask what their personal needs and will are. | ||
f you have any questions, requests, or feedback, write to us at info@onefuturecollective.org.
This resource was created by One Future Collective. Please cite us if you reproduce, circulate, or facilitate this material to honour the labour of our team members and uplift their work accordingly. In the words of Sara Ahmed, ‘Citation is feminist memory.’
Copyright © [2025] by One Future Collective [Morarka Consultants LLP] All Rights Reserved.