Work

Women’s experiences of shame while seeking care for complex trauma: Towards shame-sensitive practice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Recent scholarship advocates for ‘shame-sensitive practice’ as an evolution of trauma-informed practice, recognizing shame as a key emotional component of trauma. This approach aims to prevent and address shame in clinical and service interactions with traumatized individuals. However, there is limited empirical research on how traumatized people experience shame in service interactions. This article explores the shame-related experiences of nineteen women living with complex trauma and engaged in help-seeking in New South Wales, Australia. The article presents a thematic analysis of the women’s experiences, highlighting the interplay between the traumatic shame of interpersonal violence, the structural shame embedded in service systems that fail to accommodate complex trauma, and both direct and indirect shame in service encounters. The article concludes by discussing the implications of the study for shame-sensitive and dignity-affirming practice.

Source: The British Journal of Social Work

DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcaf101

Authors: Qianqian Wu, Michael Salter

Institution: UNSW Sydney

Language: English

Topic: Social Work Education and Practice

Subfield: Public Administration

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,492