Trauma and homelessness
Homelessness and trauma are closely connected. In the first place, the experience of becoming homeless is traumatic. Whilst this may seem self-evident, it is also backed up by research which has shown that people who have experienced homelessness exhibit the symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (Goodman et al, 1991).
In addition we know that many people experiencing homelessness and other forms of multiple disadvantage, have experienced trauma in their past (Oasis Community Housing, 2022; Lankelly Chase, 2015). In many cases this may complex trauma that results of ongoing abuse or traumatic events during childhood (Herman, 1992).
Finally, the experiences that people have whilst they are homeless may also be traumatic. Research by Crisis showed the extent to which people who are experiencing rough sleeping are victims or crime and abuse (Crisis, 2016).
The impact of trauma
Trauma can leave a lasting impact on the brain and body, particularly if that trauma takes place during childhood when the brain is still developing. This can affect language, emotion, memory and the autonomic nervous system; the individual may more frequently be tipped into “fight, flight or flop” mode with a heightened sense of danger. This is sometimes called toxic stress and can have a knock-on effect on a whole range of health outcomes for that individual.
Trauma also has significant psychological impacts perceptions of relationships, damaging self-esteem, making it difficult to trust and changing how people view authority. It can also lead to different coping mechanisms which can include unhealthy relationships or dependence on substances as well as challenges engaging with services and systems.
Whilst trauma will impact each person differently, it is important for Day Services to have a general awareness of how this may affect people who are attending.
Re-traumatisation
It is possible for people to experience re-traumatisation when they are in situations or locations that mimic the experience of their previous trauma. Homelessness services need to have an awareness of this as a key risk factor. Whilst each persons’ experiences and triggers may be different, there are common themes around noise, safety perception and also authority and institutional settings that can be particularly re-triggering for people.
Some examples of things that may be traumatising in a Day Service setting include:
- Being asked personal questions by a stranger – can you take time to make someone feel comfortable and relaxed first?
- Having to repeat information about traumatic events
- Trying to follow rules, attend appointments, achieve specific actions while struggling to cope
- Being in a building that feels institutional, among strangers, CCTV, unfamiliar noise and smells
A service that is trauma-informed:
- Realises the impact of trauma and pathways for recovery
- Recognises the signs and symptoms
- Responds by fully integrating this knowledge into policies, procedures and practices
- Resists re-traumatisation
Moving beyond trauma
It is possible for people to move forwards beyond trauma and one key role of homelessness services is to support this process. There are two key steps to moving forwards from trauma that are emphasised in a trauma-informed approach: creating physical and psychological safety and (re-) building control.
