This article series was developed as a result of a research programme conducted within The Open University’s Centre for Police Research and Learning (CPRL) for the Home Office. The work was part of a multi-university project, known as ‘Operation Soteria Bluestone’, exploring a number of different aspects of rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO) investigation. The focus of the work for the CPRL was officer learning, development and wellbeing. Essentially the team explored the way in which the officers who investigate RASSO receive learning, continuing professional development and specialist knowledge input, and the welfare support offered by their forces.
The research identified a number of gaps in knowledge for the officers and one of these areas was focused on the need to ensure that a Trauma-Informed (TI) approach to the investigation and the victim involved is delivered. This article series covers a number of aspects of TI practice, including the need to be TI inside the police organisation in the way officers are supported in their role.
The research team collectively developed the following ethos for investigations of RASSO, and this is to be victim-centred, suspect-focused and context-led. It is now the foundation for the RASSO National Operating Model. Having a victim-centred approach ensures each victim, and their needs, rights and interests, are central to investigative decision making. It means considering any necessary adjustments to allow the victim to give their best evidence. Suspect-focused investigations involve understanding the behaviours of the suspect and how they have acted to exploit the vulnerability of the victim. A context-led approach means thinking about the context of each reported offence, i.e. there is no standard approach to investigative actions. The circumstances and impacts of sexual violence can affect how any victim is able to recall and give an account of events to the police. Being trauma informed and understanding how trauma manifests and how different issues impact on trauma in individuals forms part of this context-led approach.
This series provides an overview of some information on different aspects of the approach and offers some insights into how it can be applied in practice, both in organisational and victim contexts.
It begins with Emma Williams’s article on ‘Shifting Notions of Trauma-Informed Practice’, in which she gives a broad overview of a TI approach and relates it to the context of RASSO investigation.
Then we have Linda Maguire and Jen Norman’s discussion on the first response to a report of RASSO and the importance of ensuring that response is TI. Victim attrition (where victims decide they no longer wish to engage with the investigation) is a big problem, and the first response is a key factor.
Rosa Walling-Wefelmeyer considers what trauma is, with particular reference to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and what a trauma response could look like. For those who are not TI, the way a victim of rape behaves or reacts could be perceived as atypical for someone who is traumatised, and may lead to doubts as to the veracity of their report.
Rachel Ward reflects on what it is to be TI in practice, both when dealing externally with victims, suspects, and other members of the public, and within the organisation and with colleagues, i.e. the police need to be TI as an organisation; a piece-meal approach will not be effective.
Finally, S-J Lennie and Jen Norman focus on self-care and highlight the importance of understanding the cumulative impact of dealing with traumatic incidents. They discuss the benefits of utilising reflective practice to support wellbeing.
We hope that you find the articles interesting and insightful, and that they help you to understand the benefits of being TI.
Explore the collection of articles
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Shifting notions of trauma-informed practice: from the individual to the organisation
Read now to access more details of Shifting notions of trauma-informed practice: from the individual to the organisationThis article explains the key principles of trauma-informed practice and how it is implemented in organisations such as the police.
Level: 1 Introductory
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How to provide a trauma-informed police response to victims of rape and serious sexual offences
Read now to access more details of How to provide a trauma-informed police response to victims of rape and serious sexual offencesHow should First Response Officers deal with victims of traumatic incidents such as rape and serious sexual offences? This article looks at some of the issues with the training package for sensitive issues.
Level: 1 Introductory
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What is trauma?
Read now to access more details of What is trauma?What is trauma and how does it manifest in victims of sexual violence? This article looks at the framework of trauma and how police should use it when investigating rape and serious sexual offences.
Level: 1 Introductory
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What does it mean to be trauma informed in practice?
Read now to access more details of What does it mean to be trauma informed in practice?What trauma informed actions and behaviours should police officers and others who work in the emergency services display? This article looks at the concept of trauma informed practice.
Level: 1 Introductory
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Reflective practice as self-care: recognising the mental health needs of sexual offence investigators
Read now to access more details of Reflective practice as self-care: recognising the mental health needs of sexual offence investigatorsHow can police officers express their emotional experiences of dealing with sexual violence cases? This article looks at mental health in policing.
Level: 1 Introductory
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