Understanding Institutional Trauma and Embedding Trauma-Informed Practice

This interactive training explores the nature and impacts of institutional trauma, including institutional betrayal, the complex trauma associated with childhood sexual abuse, and the ways institutional cultures, structures and practices can contribute to harm or support recovery. Drawing on contemporary trauma research and the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, participants will develop an understanding of how trauma-informed principles can be embedded.

Description

Institutions play a significant role in shaping people's experiences of safety, trust, belonging and wellbeing. When abuse, neglect or other forms of harm occur within institutions, the impacts can be profound and enduring, particularly when the institution responsible for providing care or protection has contributed to the harm.

Institutional trauma can affect an individual's sense of safety, trust, identity and connection with others. These impacts may be further compounded by institutional responses that minimise, dismiss or fail to acknowledge experiences of harm. Understanding the dynamics of institutional trauma is therefore essential to creating environments that recognise and respond sensitively to the needs of survivors.

This interactive training explores the nature and impacts of institutional trauma, including institutional betrayal, the complex trauma associated with childhood sexual abuse, and the ways institutional cultures, structures and practices can contribute to harm or support recovery.

Drawing on contemporary trauma research and the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, participants will develop an understanding of how trauma-informed principles can be embedded across institutional policies, practices, leadership and service delivery.

The training considers both individual and systemic dimensions of trauma, recognising that meaningful trauma-informed practice requires more than individual awareness. It involves creating organisational conditions that promote safety, trustworthiness, transparency, collaboration, choice and empowerment.

Participants will explore opportunities to strengthen institutional responses, minimise the risk of re-traumatisation and contribute to environments that support dignity, accountability and healing.


By participating in this professional development training, participants will:

  • Differentiate between types of trauma and understand the nature and impacts of complex and institutional trauma.
  • Develop an understanding of the prevalence and impacts of institutional child sexual abuse, including the role of institutional betrayal and breaches of trust.
  • Explore the neurobiology of trauma, including stress responses, emotional regulation and adaptive survival strategies.
  • Recognise how institutional cultures, power dynamics, policies and practices can contribute to harm or support recovery.
  • Understand the principles of trauma-informed practice and their application across institutional environments.
  • Identify the importance of organisational accountability, leadership and systemic change in preventing re-traumatisation.
  • Explore practical opportunities to embed trauma-informed principles into institutional policies, procedures, relationships and service delivery.

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