Trauma-informed approaches to violence reduction : A qualitative exploration with multi-agency partners in a Violence Reduction Unit in England

Stewart, Hilary and Khan, Koser and Goldthorpe, Joanna and Ward, Fiona and Brown, Heather and Wheeler, Paula and Youansamouth, Lindsay and Clarke, Susannah (2026) Trauma-informed approaches to violence reduction : A qualitative exploration with multi-agency partners in a Violence Reduction Unit in England. Health and Social Care in the Community. ISSN 0966-0410 (In Press)

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Abstract

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences are a public health issue and risk factor for future violence and criminality. This has motivated stakeholders to consider approaches which tackle the root causes of violent crime. One such approach is the dissemination of trauma-informed practice, funded by the Home Office and led by Violence Reduction Units. Violence Reduction Units broadly seek to prevent and reduce violence through early intervention and collaborative working with multi-agency partners. Implementing trauma-informed approaches as a public health means of violence reduction are novel, and there is limited research exploring whether and how these approaches work. This paper presents findings from an evaluation of trauma-informed approaches led by a Violence Reduction Unit in England to explore their acceptability, facilitators and barriers. Drawing upon qualitative interview and focus group data (N=49) gathered during an evaluation in 2022, and guided by Normalisation Process Theory framework, we evaluated the dynamic work involved in adopting trauma-informed approaches in three diverse programmes of work. Findings indicate that trauma-informed approaches are acceptable ways of working for participants, with evidence to suggest that trauma-informed training shapes practice and can be embedded in organisational policies and practice when supported by funding, resources and appropriate leaders. Facilitators and barriers to embedding trauma-informed approaches are considered, for example, leadership, organisational buy in and resources are needed to embed commitment to trauma-informed approaches. Future research should explore whether and how trauma-informed approaches improve outcomes for clients.