Proposing trauma-informed practice and response in policing: A social innovation narrative for reforming responses to child sexual abuse and exploitation

This article is directly related to the first global Trauma Informed Policing and Law Enforcement Conference held in Melbourne, Australia in February 2024.

Abstract

Shifting towards trauma-informed practice and response (TIPAR) in law enforcement is crucial for reforming policing practices to reduce re-victimization among survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSA&E). Studies show that one in four Australians experience childhood sexual abuse (Haslam et al., 2023) highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement interventions. Police, as primary responders for children in the criminal justice system, experience significantly higher rates of stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to the general population. Current policing cultures often use ad hoc procedures that struggle to meet the unique needs of CSA&E victims. TIPAR advocates for comprehensive police training and trauma-informed policies to address these gaps. By integrating TIPAR consistently across law enforcement agencies (LEAs), this approach aims to enhance case progression, build police legitimacy, foster trust, and increase victims’ engagement with justice processes. Implementing TIPAR is expected to enhance compassion satisfaction among officers, improve staff retention, reduce organizational costs, and create a justice system that better supports CSA&E survivors and their families. This holistic approach is crucial for addressing the significant under-reporting of sexual offences, where over 85% fail to progress to prosecution (Attorney Generals Department, 2023). Piloting TIPAR is essential to gather empirical data supporting government adoption of minimum standards for trauma-informed practices in legislation, ensuring that TIPAR principles are embedded in all LEA activities. This Social Innovative Narrative aims to explain the benefits of implementing TIPAR within LEAs, advocating for a more compassionate and effective response to trauma within law enforcement.