Supporting Survivors: A Trauma-Informed Approach

Understanding trauma is essential to supporting survivors effectively. Research in neurobiology has transformed our understanding of how domestic violence affects the brain and body:

  • Chronic stress from abuse alters brain structure and function, particularly in areas responsible for threat detection and emotional regulation.

  • The body keeps score—85% of survivors report physical symptoms related to trauma, even years after the abuse has ended.

  • Trauma responses that may seem confusing to others—like returning to an abuser, memory gaps, or emotional numbness—are actually adaptive survival mechanisms.

  • Recovery requires addressing both psychological and physiological aspects of trauma, with 79% of survivors reporting that body-based approaches were crucial to their healing.

At The Astaris Foundation for Change, we incorporate this understanding into all our services, recognizing that healing happens on multiple levels:

Safety First

Before any healing can begin, basic safety needs must be addressed. This includes:

  • Physical safety from the abuser
  • Secure housing
  • Financial stability
  • Legal protections
  • Healthcare access

Statistics show that survivors with these basic needs met are 3.5 times more likely to maintain independence from abusers long-term.

Rebuilding Trust

Domestic abuse fundamentally violates trust, making it difficult for survivors to form new relationships:

  • 76% of survivors report difficulty trusting others, including support professionals
  • Building trust takes an average of 6-8 months of consistent, boundaried support
  • Transparency, reliability, and respect for autonomy are rated as the most important factors in establishing trust

Our approach emphasizes consistency, clear communication, and survivor choice at every step.

Reclaiming Identity

A core impact of domestic abuse is the erosion of identity and self-worth:

  • 82% of survivors report losing their sense of self during the relationship
  • Identity reconstruction is rated as the most meaningful aspect of recovery by 68% of survivors
  • Creative expression, community connection, and skill development all contribute to rebuilding a positive self-concept

Our programs create opportunities for survivors to rediscover their strengths, preferences, and dreams beyond the identity of "victim" or "survivor."

Finding Meaning

Research shows that survivors who can integrate their experiences into a meaningful narrative show better long-term outcomes:

  • 73% of survivors report that finding meaning in their experiences was essential to healing
  • Helping others, advocacy work, and spiritual practices are common pathways to meaning-making
  • Survivor-led initiatives have 62% higher engagement and effectiveness than those designed without survivor input

We believe in the power of survivor wisdom and leadership, creating pathways for those who wish to transform their experiences into positive change for others.

Conclusion: From Awareness to Action

The statistics on domestic violence are not just numbers—they represent real lives, real suffering, and real resilience. By understanding the scope of the problem, recognizing the complex barriers survivors face, and committing to trauma-informed support, we can all contribute to a world where:

  • Survivors are believed and supported rather than questioned and judged
  • Systems work for rather than against those seeking safety
  • Communities take collective responsibility for preventing abuse
  • Recovery resources are accessible to all survivors, regardless of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability, or economic status.

At The Astaris Foundation for Change, we're committed to turning awareness into action. We invite you to join us—whether by supporting a survivor in your life, volunteering with local organizations, advocating for policy change, or simply starting conversations that challenge the silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence.

Remember: small actions matter. Research shows that informal support from friends, family, and community members is often the first step in a survivor's journey to safety, rated as "crucial" by 89% of those who successfully left abusive relationships.

Resources and Further Learning

For those wanting to deepen their understanding and support for survivors of domestic violence, we recommend:

Books

  • "Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft
  • "Trauma and Recovery" by Judith Herman
  • "No Visible Bruises" by Rachel Louise Snyder
  • "See What You Made Me Do" by Jess Hill

Organizations

  • Women's Aid
  • Refuge
  • ManKind Initiative
  • Galop (LGBT+ anti-violence charity)
  • SafeLives
  • Imkaan (specialist organization for Black and minoritized women)

Training

  • Domestic Violence Awareness training
  • Trauma-Informed Practice workshops
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • Bystander Intervention training

By educating ourselves, supporting survivors, and working together for change, we can create communities where domestic violence becomes increasingly rare and where those who experience it find pathways to safety, justice, and healing.

The statistics tell us where we are. Our actions determine where we go from here.

If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed in this blog post and would like to speak with someone at The Astaris Foundation for Change, please reach out through our confidential contact form. Your safety and wellbeing are our priority.

Remember: In an emergency, always call 999. If you're unable to speak, dial 999 and press 55 when prompted—this will signal to the operator that you need help but cannot speak.

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