Trauma-Informed Redress and Direct Personal Responses
This interactive training explores the knowledge, skills and practical considerations required to plan and deliver trauma-informed redress processes, with a particular focus on Direct Personal Responses. Building on an understanding of complex and institutional trauma, participants will examine how trauma-informed principles can guide each stage of the redress process, from initial engagement and preparation through to the delivery of a meaningful response and appropriate follow-up.
Description
For survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, seeking redress can be a significant and deeply personal experience. The way institutions acknowledge and respond to harm can influence survivors' experiences of dignity, trust, validation and justice.
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse highlighted the importance of institutions acknowledging the harm experienced by survivors and providing meaningful opportunities for redress, including Direct Personal Responses.
A Direct Personal Response offers an opportunity for survivors to have their experiences heard and acknowledged by the institution responsible for the harm. When thoughtfully planned and delivered, these responses can contribute to recognition, accountability and healing. However, poorly managed processes may compound existing trauma, reinforce experiences of institutional betrayal or contribute to further distress.
This interactive training explores the knowledge, skills and practical considerations required to plan and deliver trauma-informed redress processes, with a particular focus on Direct Personal Responses.
Building on an understanding of complex and institutional trauma, participants will examine how trauma-informed principles can guide each stage of the redress process, from initial engagement and preparation through to the delivery of a meaningful response and appropriate follow-up.
The training explores the importance of survivor choice and control, institutional accountability, sensitive communication, and the development of meaningful apologies that acknowledge harm without minimisation or defensiveness.
Through practical scenarios, reflection and facilitated activities, participants will develop skills to navigate the relational, emotional and organisational complexities of redress while supporting processes that recognise survivors' individual needs, preferences and expectations.
By participating in this professional development training, participants will:
- Understand the purpose and key components of redress, including the role of Direct Personal Responses in acknowledging institutional harm.
- Recognise how complex and institutional trauma can influence survivors' experiences of engaging in redress processes.
- Apply trauma-informed principles to the planning, preparation and delivery of Direct Personal Responses.
- Understand the importance of survivor choice, control, collaboration and informed consent throughout the redress process.
- Identify the key stages of a Direct Personal Response, including initial contact, preparation, meeting arrangements, delivery and follow-up.
- Explore the essential elements of a meaningful institutional apology, including acknowledgement, accountability and the avoidance of minimisation or defensiveness.
- Develop practical strategies for responding sensitively to emotional distress, supporting regulation and minimising the risk of re-traumatisation.