The cycle of abuse is a social cycle theory developed by Lenore E. Walker to explain patterns of behaviour in an abusive relationship. The theory explains the predictable way violence in a relationship plays out more often than not.

TRAUMA INFORMED CARE

Trauma-Informed Care recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual’s life. Trauma informed care aims to facilitate healing and recovery by providing support services in a way that is accessible and appropriate to those who may have experienced trauma in order to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization or worsening trauma symptoms in individuals.  Trauma informed care realizes the impacts trauma can have in accessing services and responds by changing policies, procedures and practices to minimize potential barriers. Trauma informed care views individuals as a whole and seeks to understand “what happened to you?” rather than “what is wrong with you?”.

The five guiding principles serve as a framework for how systems and service providers can work to reduce the likelihood of re-traumatization. The diagram above shows how we employ these guidelines in our practice