Recognising Trauma and PTSD in Domestic Violence Survivors

Understanding Domestic Violence (DV) and Its Impact

• Define domestic violence and its various forms: physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse.
• Explore the prevalence of domestic violence and the psychological toll it has on survivors.
• Gain insight into how DV affects individuals’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Trauma

• Learn the key signs and symptoms of trauma resulting from domestic violence.
• Understand the difference between acute and chronic trauma responses.
• Explore common emotional and behavioral responses such as anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, and shame.

Understanding PTSD in the Context of Domestic Violence

• Define Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and how it manifests in survivors of domestic violence.
• Learn the diagnostic criteria for PTSD and how to identify it in survivors of abuse.
• Explore the impact of prolonged exposure to violence and how it increases the risk of PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD in Domestic Violence Survivors

• Understand the core symptoms of PTSD: intrusive memories, hyperarousal, avoidance, and negative mood.
• Learn how these symptoms uniquely present in survivors of domestic violence, including triggers specific to their experiences.
• Examine the cycle of re-traumatization and how PTSD might present during and after an abusive relationship.

Behavioral and Emotional Indicators

• Learn how survivors might exhibit behavior such as isolation, hypervigilance, or difficulties with trust and intimacy.
• Recognize the emotional toll, including difficulty processing emotions or suppressing feelings in order to avoid triggers.
• Understand how survivors may exhibit coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or other high-risk behaviors.

Physical and Somatic Symptoms

• Gain insight into how trauma can manifest physically, including chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal problems.
• Understand the connection between mental health and physical health in trauma survivors.

The Importance of Empathy and Understanding

• Learn the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental space for survivors to express their experiences.
• Understand the significance of validating the survivor’s experience and offering support.
• Gain tools for offering appropriate resources and referrals to help survivors access care and safety.

Assessment and Screening Tools

• Explore assessment tools and screening questionnaires that can help identify trauma and PTSD in domestic violence survivors.
• Learn when and how to use these tools appropriately while maintaining a trauma-informed approach.

Trauma-Informed Care Approaches

• Understand the principles of trauma-informed care and how they can be applied to support survivors.
• Learn the significance of building trust, offering empowerment, and being sensitive to triggers when providing assistance.
• Gain insight into creating a supportive environment for both survivors and professionals working with them.

Interventions and Treatment Options

• Explore evidence-based therapeutic interventions for addressing trauma and PTSD, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
• Understand the role of support groups and community resources in helping survivors heal.
• Learn how to assist survivors in safety planning, coping strategies, and long-term recovery.