The Trauma Informed Practice Model
We know that talking about sexual assault can be hard.
Waller Legal adopts a trauma informed practice approach to providing legal services. We are aware that a person may be triggered or re-traumatised by a re-telling of their history. While talking to us about the abuse and the impact it has had on you is a necessary part of us working together, we attempt to minimise distress wherever possible.
We try to make it as easy as we can by giving you information and choices. If you have given an account of the abuse already, such as in a police statement, we’ll give you the option for us to obtain and read the police statement first so you don’t have to say it twice.
Key features of our approach include:
(a) Taking the time to explain the process to clients and answer any questions.
(b) Obtaining any documents which may be available in which the client has already given an account of events to see if it is possible to avoid taking a further statement;
(c) Empowering clients with as much choice as possible, for example, providing them with the option to meet in person or talk by telephone, bring a support person or come alone, write things down themselves or talk it through.
(d) Asking clients to nominate their preferred contact method, such as mail, email or phone.
(e) Exploring alternative dispute resolution processes where possible.
(f) Negotiating with defendants about changes to processes that might be required to accommodate an individual client’s needs.
(g) Advocating on behalf of clients and making sure they don’t have any direct contact with defendants, such as church personnel, unless they choose to.
(h) Exploring ways to include pastoral responses where appropriate.
(i) The provision of trauma informed training to our staff.
We don’t always manage to avoid upset but we try hard to minimise factors that are within our control. We constantly think about ways to improve our services and we welcome your feedback.
If you would like to discuss a potential claim for compensation, please call the office on
03 9415 9999 or email the team at
[email protected].