Equality before the Law Bench Book update 21 published

The Equality Before the Law Bench Book has been updated to include a new chapter:  “Trauma-informed courts”. Below is an outline of the new chapter.

Section 12 — Trauma-informed courts

There has been a growing awareness of trauma, including complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), over the last 40 years. Research into trauma-informed practice and principles has led to the development of a humane framework for health practitioners, and more recently, legal and other professionals and the judiciary, usually referred to as “trauma-informed practice”. Many courts have come to recognise that acknowledging and understanding the impact of trauma on court participants may lead to more successful interactions and outcomes. Courts that do not practice trauma-informed decision-making may inadvertently increase the level of trauma that people experience.

This chapter examines the adverse physical and psychological health problems in adulthood that may arise due to unresolved early life trauma. It also looks at Trauma and its impact on particular groups, such as domestic and family violence victims, victims of child sexual abuse, children in out-of-home care; First Nations people; migrants, refugees and asylum seekers; people with disabilities; and LGBTQI people. There are practical considerations as to how to embed a trauma-informed practice and specific suggestions for trauma-informed judicial practices, sentencing considerations and a discussion of “trauma-informed courts” versus “solution-focussed courts”.

The chapter was developed by Commission staff and an expert Committee reviewed and provided feedback. The Committee comprised: