Trauma-Informed Practice in Criminology: Embedding Compassionate Approaches in Education, Research, and Professional Practice - CANCELLED

Session Submission Type: Workshop

Abstract/Description

Workshop Synopsis:
Working in the criminal justice sector often involves direct or indirect engagement with individuals and communities who have experienced significant trauma. For criminology students, academics, and practitioners alike, adopting trauma-informed practice is not only beneficial—it is essential.

This interactive workshop is designed specifically for the criminology context, highlighting the vital role of trauma-informed approaches across three core areas: education, research, and professional practice. Participants will explore how trauma impacts behaviour, communication, and engagement, and why cultivating trauma-informed skills is crucial for ethical, effective, and sustainable work.
The workshop also focuses on educating students to be trauma-informed in preparation for their careers in criminal justice and working with vulnerable populations. We will examine trauma-informed principles for research, with a strong emphasis on ethical considerations, participant safety, and researcher wellbeing. Finally, the session offers trauma-informed care strategies that can be applied in teaching, research and professional practice.
The workshop also addresses the risk of vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout that can arise from repeated exposure to traumatic material—whether through research, teaching, or direct work with traumatised individuals—and offers guidance on fostering personal and institutional resilience.

Learning Outcomes:
• Understand trauma and its relevance in teaching, research and practice contexts
• Apply trauma-informed principles in teaching to support student learning and preparedness
• Incorporate trauma-aware, ethical methodologies in criminological research
• Recognize and respond to signs of vicarious trauma in oneself and others
• Promote safe, inclusive, and empowering practices in academic and professional settings

This workshop is ideal for criminology educators, researchers, students, and professionals seeking to embed trauma-informed practice into their work to enhance student preparedness, ethically responsive research and wellbeing across the criminal justice sector.

Sub Unit

• Area XVII. Workshops / Other Workshops

Participants

• Suzanne Brumby, University of Southern Queensland

• Holly Coomber, Kaiser University