Stealthing / le furtivage

retraumatization / retraumatisation

Trauma is an open wound: stop rubbing salt in it. Some things – like places, people, sounds, or even scents – can trigger a strong emotional, physical, or psychological response in us that has less to do with what’s happening now, and more to do with a past traumatic event. This difficult re-experience of a previous traumatic event is considered retraumatization and can include a range of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, sleeping issues, anxiety, withdrawal from school/social settings, intense emotions, and more. This is why a trauma-informed approach in responses to sexual and gender-based violence is critical to safeguard and protect survivors throughout the complaints process. A trauma-informed approach acknowledges potential triggers for a survivor and works to mitigate and avoid harm.

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