Impact of Sexual and Interpersonal Violence and Trauma on Women: Trauma-informed Practice and Feminist Theory

Women experience disproportionate rates of both sexual assault and intimate partner violence (CDC, 2019). This article describes the physical, sexual, and mental health impact of these traumas for women and the parallels between feminist theory and SAMSHA's six principles for trauma-informed care that include 1. Safety; 2. Trustworthiness and Transparency; 3. Peer Support; 4. Collaboration and Mutuality; 5. Empowerment, Voice and Choice; and 6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues. By utilizing a trauma-informed framework and feminist perspective, clinicians and practitioners can better conceptualize the impact of trauma and the healing journey for survivors. Future research is needed to better understand the impact of interpersonal violence across cultures and how this trauma-informed approach can be effective in recovery.