During a trauma-informed response, what should you ensure the victim understands?

During a trauma-informed response, what should you ensure the victim understands?

• A. The medical procedures only
• B. The legal implications for the perpetrator
• C. The time you need to complete the exam
• D. What you are saying/asking

Answer: (D)

Trauma-informed care centers on safe, clear, and collaborative communication. The survivor must understand what you are saying and what you are asking, so they can participate in decisions about their care and provide informed consent. This reduces misinterpretation or retraumatization by using plain language, explaining the purpose of questions, and checking for understanding. While medical details, legal consequences, or timing may be relevant in other contexts, the immediate aim here is that the survivor knows what is being communicated and why.

Trauma-informed care centers on safe, clear, and collaborative communication. The survivor must understand what you are saying and what you are asking, so they can participate in decisions about their care and provide informed consent. This reduces misinterpretation or retraumatization by using plain language, explaining the purpose of questions, and checking for understanding. While medical details, legal consequences, or timing may be relevant in other contexts, the immediate aim here is that the survivor knows what is being communicated and why.