In a quiet, sunlit room at the center of the community center, Laila sat on a soft cushion, her eyes fixed on a painting of a dawn breaking over a gentle sea. The space was calm—a deliberate sanctuary designed for healing. It was here, in this place, that she understood pain without judgment, that Laila began to see a glimmer of hope.

Just a year ago, Laila’s world had fractured. The trauma she endured as a survivor of sexual and gender-based violence had left her feeling lost, isolated, and trapped in an endless cycle of fear. She had been dismissed, her pain trivialized by a society that often misunderstood the depth of her wounds. As Laila recalled her past ordeal, she was thankful she had survived, though with a deep scar and fear, leading to a phobia she didn’t feel comfortable about, but was willing to overcome.

Within this safe space, every detail—from the softly lit corners to the respectful tone of the counselor—embodied a new way of caring: trauma-informed care in action. Here, making survivors feel safe was the first and most powerful step. Laila learned that her painful story was not a burden to hide but a narrative deserving of compassionate listening. The counselors did not rush to fix her or label her experiences; instead, they listened deeply, with empathy and without judgment. They recognized that her silences, her sudden bursts of anger, and her varied emotional responses were natural and understandable reactions to deeply embedded pain, offering invaluable insights to others who may also be navigating similar paths.

In every conversation, Laila was offered choices. She was invited to decide what she was comfortable sharing, and she was given control over her healing journey. This emphasis on empowerment, allowing survivors to reclaim autonomy in a world that had once stripped it away, was the cornerstone of the approach. Every session was a collaborative process, where trust was slowly rebuilt and where Laila learned that healing was not linear, but a path marked by resilience and self-compassion.

Trauma-informed care also meant that Laila’s cultural background, her unique experiences, and her personal values were honoured. The care providers were sensitive to the context of her life, ensuring that the support offered was as individualized as the pain she carried. In this nurturing environment, the once harsh labels of “victim” and “survivor” began to transform into markers of strength and courage.

For Laila, the impact of trauma-informed care was profound. It wasn’t just a method of support—it was a revolution in how care could be delivered, one that recognized the importance of safety, empowerment, and mutual respect. It reminded her that her worth wasn’t defined by the violence inflicted upon her, but by the strength she found in every step of her recovery.

In a world where millions face sexual and gender-based violence. trauma-informed care can restore hope. It can help every survivor, no matter how deeply wounded, to heal in an environment built on trust, empathy, and respect. Through this approach, survivors like Laila are not merely helped; they are transformed, reclaiming their power, one compassionate encounter at a time.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) inflicts deep wounds that extend far beyond the physical. Survivors often grapple with profound emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical trauma, which can manifest as fear, depression, anxiety, visible trembling, and a shattered sense of safety. Recognizing the extensive impact of trauma is the foundation of trauma-informed care – an approach that shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”

Trauma-informed care is not a specific treatment modality but rather a framework that guides the delivery of services across various settings. It is more than a therapeutic approach; it’s a way of understanding and responding to the needs of survivors with profound compassion and respect. Its core principles emphasize safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. It provides individualized care that creates environments and interactions where survivors feel safe, heard, validated, and in control of their healing journey.

When applied to supporting survivors of SGBV, this approach acknowledges the high likelihood of trauma and seeks to minimize the risk of re-traumatization. It recognizes that healing is a complex and deeply personal process, prioritizing the safety, empowerment, and well-being of survivors above all else. For survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, trauma-informed care can be the key to reclaiming their lives and finding a path to healing.