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Stress- and trauma-sensitivity (basic principles)

Security, empowerment, solidarity and connection, self-care and staff care

Women and girls affected by violence will frequently experience feelings of powerlessness and isolation. In order to empower them effectively and protect them from re-traumatisation, medica mondiale relies on a stress- and trauma-sensitive approach. This applies both during direct contact with survivors and also as part of its cooperation with partner organisations and other colleagues.

This approach is based on the following principles, which provide practical guidance. They counteract the psychological and social dynamics triggered by traumatic experiences of violence, helping to stabilise the person affected.

1. Security

  • Reducing fear and stress
  • Promoting external and internal security
  • Creating self-confidence, and trust towards other people

2. Empowerment

  • Promoting an experience of self-efficacy
  • Increasing self-esteem

3. Solidarity and connection

  • Acknowledging the suffering, bearing in mind any feelings of shame and guilt
  • Conveying an experience of solidarity, connection and social participation
  • Adopting an integrated, holistic view of the affected person in their social environment

4. Organisational care and self-care

  • Promoting skills to deal with stress
  • Awareness of divisive dynamics within groups
  • Preventing of indirect traumatisation and burnout
  • Enhancing resilience when dealing with existential crises
     

Updated: 01/2024 

Illustration mehrerer Menschen, die Frau im Zentrum hat die Augen geschlossen, auf ihrem Oberteil ist eine Spirale aufgedruckt.
Illustration mehrerer Menschen, die Frau im Zentrum hat die Augen geschlossen, auf ihrem Oberteil ist eine Spirale aufgedruckt.
Stress- and Trauma-sensitive Approach® (STA)
Since 1993, medica mondiale has been supporting women and girls affected by sexualised violence in war and crisis zones. The STA – Stress and Trauma Sensitive Approach® was developed to provide them with competent and trauma-sensitive support.