Module overview
Course introduction
Our trauma-informed care module provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of trauma-informed care, helping professionals build safe, supportive, and effective relationships with survivors.
The course explores what trauma is, how it impacts the brain and body, and how different people and communities may be affected. It then guides you through the core principles of trauma-informed care, showing how to embed them into everyday professional practice to reduce harm and foster trust. You’ll also learn practical skills for safe communication, working with disclosures and maintaining healthy boundaries.
As working with trauma can take a toll on professionals, this course also covers vicarious trauma, burnout, and self-care strategies – giving you the tools to safeguard your own wellbeing as well as support survivors.
Our learning module is designed for professionals, caregivers, and organisations working with survivors of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other traumatic experiences. It is interactive, survivor-informed and suitable for both individuals and teams.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this trauma informed practice training, you will be able to:
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Understand what trauma is, its impacts and how it affects survivors differently.
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Apply the principles of trauma-informed care in your role.
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Recognise trauma responses and respond appropriately with empathy and boundaries.
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Work safely with disclosures, knowing what to say, what not to say, and when to refer.
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Identify and manage vicarious trauma, using self-care and organisational strategies.
This module reinforces the importance of trauma-informed practice in creating safe, supportive environments where survivors can recover and thrive.
About the course
The course follows a linear structure. There are three buttons available: Previous Lesson/Topic, Mark Complete, and Next Lesson/Topic.
If you’re going through the course for the first time, please use the Mark Complete button as you finish each lesson. The Next Topic button is meant for navigation and is especially useful when revisiting the course.
For first-time learners, the module must be completed in order, following the structured path. However, if you’re revisiting the module, you can freely navigate and access any lesson or topic as needed.
Terminology
Note 1: In this module, you’ll notice that the terms “victim” and “survivor” are used.
These terms are both widely recognised but carry different connotations:
- “Victim” is often used in legal or procedural contexts, such as when referring to someone who has been harmed by a crime or traumatic event.
- “Survivor” is more commonly used in therapeutic or supportive contexts and emphasises resilience, recovery, and empowerment.
While some individuals may identify with one term over the other, it’s important to use language that is respectful, neutral, and reflective of the context in which you are working.
Why This Matters: People process trauma differently, and their preferences for how they are described may vary. By using both terms interchangeably in this module, we aim to reflect the diversity of perspectives and experiences among those affected by trauma, crime, and abuse.
Note 2: We also recognise that survivors come from all walks of life and may have experienced different forms of trauma or abuse. This means that anyone we interact with may have a trauma history, reinforcing the need for a compassionate, trauma-informed approach in all professional settings.
- Disclosed survivors: Direct lived experience of abuse and will identify themselves.
- Undisclosed survivors: Direct lived experience of abuse but have yet to identify themselves.
- Supporters of survivors : Advocating for survivors, personally or professionally.
Note 3: This module covers trauma-informed communication and may use terminology that differs from the language used in your specific service or professional setting. Additionally, some case studies may reflect situations outside your usual remit.
However, the principles explored are widely applicable across different roles and contexts. We encourage you to focus on the underlying concepts and adapt them to your own professional practice as needed.