Trauma‐informed or trauma‐denied: Principles and implementation of trauma‐informed services for women

Abstract In this article, we attempt to bridge the gap between practice (service delivery) and philosophy (trauma theory, empowerment, and relational theory). Specifically, we identify 10 principles that define trauma‐informed service, discuss the need for this type of service, and give some characteristics of trauma‐informed services in eight different human service areas. The areas include outreach and engagement, screening and assessment, resource coordination and advocacy, crisis intervention, mental health and substance abuse services, trauma‐specific services, parenting support, and healthcare. We draw upon the experiences of the nine sites involved in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration's (SAMHSA) 5‐year grant project, Women, Co‐occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS), and include the recommendation that consumers be integrated into the design and evaluation of services. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comm Psychol 33: 461–477, 2005.