ASCA releases new video series

08 July 2014 Connect

Adults Surviving Childhood Abuse has released a series of short videos exploring the challenges and triumphs experienced by adult survivors of childhood trauma that also provide information about trauma-informed care and services. Several have been developed specifically with health practitioners in mind.

The videos feature the voices of survivors and health professionals from a range of disciplines, with each designed to shed light on how childhood trauma can impact the day-to-day lives of survivors. The videos carry important messages about how, with the right help and support, recovery can be achieved.

Each is grounded in research and follows the trauma-informed practice principles of safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration and empowerment. Importantly they communicate a message of hope and optimism towards recovery.

View the vidoes now

Survivors’ video: features people who have undertaken journeys of recovery. While acknowledging the challenges of living with complex trauma – including years of struggling with broken relationships and feelings of worthlessness – the survivors talk processing their abuse histories and learning new strategies for managing emotions, arousal and self-care.

Family, friends, partners and loved ones video: Outlines some common coping strategies – such as anger, excessive alcohol and drug use, self-harm and compulsivity – and puts them into the context of a survivor’s lived experience. Family and friends are encouraged to find their own help and support so that they can remain loving and non-judgmental, be encouraging and stay the course. Again the message is one of recovery and hope through the journey.

Health professionals - primary care practitioner and workplace videos: offer suggestions on how practitioners and organisations can tailor their practice so the needs of survivors are central. Many services see people with a trauma background which is overlooked. With the right measures in place, survivors can be supported and helped to feel safe. The videos also stress the importance of workers and health professionals following their own self-care plans as they meet the needs of clients with complex trauma.

All of the videos and associated supporting resources can be accessed from the ASCA homepage at www.asca.org.au