Appendix 8.5 – Trauma-Informed Communication Guidance

Core Communication Principles

Staff communication should:

• Convey warmth and respect
• Validate emotions without escalating fear
• Avoid judgment or blame
• Reinforce survivor strengths
• Promote collaboration and choice
• Provide practical and manageable next steps
• Avoid overwhelming information dumping
• Normalize help-seeking

Helpful Communication Approaches

• “You are not alone in this.”
• “What happened to you is serious and deserves support.”
• “You’ve already taken an important step by reaching out.”
• “We can work through options together.”
• “You do not have to manage this on your own.”

Avoid

• Victim-blaming language
• Overpromising outcomes
• Pressuring
• Minimizing risk or harm
• Overly clinical or legalistic language
• Directive or controlling approaches

Motivational Interviewing and Engagement Strategies

• Use open-ended questions
• Reflect strengths and coping
• Check readiness for next steps
• Support autonomy
• Collaborate on safety planning
• Reinforce hope and stabilization