Our team of specialist abuse lawyers has participated in an important study by Newcastle University on ‘trauma-informed’ practice in the law.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is “Accelerate Action”, and action is key to the work of our award-winning specialist abuse solicitors.
We are committed to providing expert legal representation for survivors of sexual violence, and on this International Women’s Day we are taking a moment to highlight our work in this area, particularly the importance of ‘trauma-informed’ approaches in civil litigation.
Trauma-informed practice is a way of working with people who have experienced trauma. It’s based on the idea that trauma can impact a person’s development, and that re-traumatisation can be avoided
Civil compensation claims for sexual violence are increasingly recognised as a crucial avenue for survivors to seek redress. In 2021-2022 only 3.2% of reported rapes were prosecuted in the criminal courts, meaning that for the vast majority of survivors civil action is their only avenue for justice. However, the adversarial nature of the legal process can be re-traumatising, making it essential for lawyers dealing with such claims to adopt trauma-informed practices.
Our specialist abuse team, headed by partner Elizabeth Duncan, is dedicated to minimising distress and empowering survivors by ensuring they feel heard, supported, and in control of their legal journey.
Our commitment to trauma-informed lawyering is reinforced by our participation in Newcastle University’s recently published research study examining civil litigation and sexual trauma. This study identifies seven key principles for trauma-informed legal practice, including:
- ensuring safety, trust, and transparency;
- minimising re-traumatisation; and
- recognising the broader social and political dimensions of trauma.
The research highlights the need for tailored legal support that goes beyond procedural and legal guidance.
We integrate these principles into our day-to-day practice by prioritising open communication and adapting our approach to each client’s needs. We also recognise the risks of vicarious trauma among legal professionals, and foster a supportive environment for our team.
While civil claims cannot erase the harm suffered, they can offer financial redress and, in some cases, a sense of accountability and a degree of closure. Our role is to guide survivors through this complex process with compassion and expertise, ensuring they are empowered rather than retraumatised. Elizabeth Duncan says,
“Ensuring that survivors of sexual violence receive not only expert legal representation but also compassionate, trauma-informed support is at the heart of our work. Our role is to empower survivors by providing a safe, understanding, and transparent legal service. Justice should not come at the cost of re-traumatisation”
As we reflect on the importance of women’s legal rights this International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for survivors with a trauma-informed approach—because justice should be both accessible and compassionate.
How our recommended abuse claim solicitors can help you
If you have experienced sexual abuse and would like to know where you stand on taking legal action, then contact our trauma-informed abuse solicitors in confidence for a free consultation about making a compensation claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.