Re-Traumatization: Survivors’ Struggles Post-Trauma
Experiencing trauma can fundamentally shift a person’s worldview, dividing their perception of the world into two distinct realms: those who understand trauma and those who do not.
This division can have profound implications for interactions with therapists or the justice system, where lack of understanding can lead to triggering and re-traumatization for the victim.
Worldview Split
Trauma survivors often find themselves navigating a world where some individuals grasp the complexities of trauma while others remain oblivious to its impact. This division can create a sense of alienation and isolation for survivors, who may feel misunderstood or invalidated by those who lack awareness of trauma’s effects.
Institutional Betrayal Trauma
Institutional betrayal trauma, as conceptualized by Dr. Jennifer Freyd, refers to the harm experienced by individuals as a result of betrayal by the institutions or organizations to which they belong. [1]
Survivors can experience compounding harm as a result of betrayal by the institutions or organizations that are supposed to provide support, protection, or justice, but instead perpetrate or enable harm, leading to feelings of betrayal, mistrust, and powerlessness.
One of the most devastating aspects of institutional betrayal trauma is the betrayal by individuals or institutions that survivors trusted or relied upon for support and protection. This betrayal can shatter survivors’ sense of safety and security, leaving them feeling abandoned and disillusioned.
Triggering Interactions with Therapists
When seeking therapy, trauma survivors may encounter therapists who lack a deep understanding of trauma or its effects. This can lead to triggering interactions where the survivor feels invalidated, dismissed, or even re-traumatized by the therapeutic process. For example, a therapist who downplays or ignores the severity of the survivor’s experiences may inadvertently exacerbate feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame.
Re-Traumatization in Legal Settings
Reporting abuse or seeking justice through the legal system can be re-traumatizing for survivors, particularly when encountering law enforcement officers, lawyers, or judges who fail to comprehend the complexities of trauma. Survivors may feel re-traumatized by intrusive questioning, skepticism, or disbelief from those in positions of authority, leading to feelings of powerlessness and disillusionment with the legal system.
Institutional betrayal can manifest in various forms, including:
– Mishandling of reports of abuse or misconduct by authorities within institutions.
– Covering up or minimizing the severity of abusive or harmful behaviors.
– Failing to provide adequate support or resources to survivors of trauma.
– Retaliating against individuals who speak out or seek accountability for wrongdoing within institutions.
Impact on Survivors
Institutional betrayal trauma can have profound and long-lasting effects on survivors’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can exacerbate feelings of powerlessness, shame, and self-blame, while also undermining trust in authority figures and institutions.
Survivors may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges as a result of institutional betrayal.
Re-Traumatization and Secondary Victimization
Institutional betrayal can re-traumatize survivors by invalidating their experiences, gaslighting them, or subjecting them to further harm or victimization. This secondary victimization compounds the trauma experienced by survivors, making it even more difficult for them to heal and recover.
Barriers to Healing
Institutional betrayal trauma can create significant barriers to healing and recovery for survivors. It can erode trust in mental health professionals, legal systems, and other support services, making it difficult for survivors to seek help or disclose their experiences. Additionally, the fear of retaliation or further betrayal may prevent survivors from advocating for themselves or seeking accountability for the harm they have experienced.
Addressing Institutional Betrayal
Trauma-informed Practices
Recognizing and addressing institutional betrayal requires systemic change and accountability within institutions. This may involve implementing trauma-informed policies and practices, providing training for staff on how to respond sensitively and supportively to survivors, and creating avenues for survivors to report abuse or misconduct safely and confidentially.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Survivors of institutional betrayal trauma often benefit from advocacy and empowerment initiatives that validate their experiences, provide support and resources, and advocate for systemic change. By amplifying survivors’ voices and holding institutions accountable for their actions, advocates can help to prevent future instances of institutional betrayal and promote healing and justice for survivors.
Empowerment Through Understanding
When survivors encounter individuals who demonstrate a deep understanding of trauma, it can be empowering and validating. It is crucial that an environment is created that fosters a sense of safety and trust that is essential for healing and recovery.
Notes on the Author
Ilse Gevaert is a psychologist and coach with expertise in trauma, narcissistic and psychopathic abuse, resilience, neurodiversity (ASD and ADHD), and giftedness. Ilse continued her education at prestigious institutions such as Harvard and Cornell, where she obtained leadership certificates that have informed her practice.
Read More
The Impact of Trauma on the Mind and Body
Healing From Trauma: Therapeutic Approaches and Strategies
Finding Yourself Again After an Abusive Relationship
Building Mental Health Resilience
References
[1] Smith, C. P., & Freyd, J. J. (2014). Institutional betrayal. American Psychologist, 69(6), 575–587. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037564
