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trauma-informed advocacy

Trauma-informed advocacy refers to advocacy practices that recognise how trauma can influence behaviour, communication, and decision-making. Individuals who have experienced harm may approach institutions with heightened anxiety, distrust, or emotional intensity. Trauma-informed advocacy emphasises approaches that reduce the risk of further harm by prioritising clarity, predictability, respectful communication, and awareness of power dynamics. Rather than assuming conflict reflects unreasonable behaviour, trauma-informed advocacy considers how institutional responses can support healing and restore trust.