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When survivors of sexual assault or human trafficking come to us, their legal case is often just one part of a much larger story, one shaped by trauma, exploitation, and resilience.

Many of these individuals have endured unimaginable violations of trust and safety. They may be coping not only with the direct harm they experienced but also with fear, isolation, shame, and the long-term effects of abuse.

Recognizing and responding to that reality is not just compassionate; it’s essential to effective legal advocacy. That’s where a trauma-informed approach makes all the difference.

What Is “Trauma-Informed Care”?

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a framework built on understanding that trauma is pervasive and that its impact can affect every aspect of a person’s life: emotionally, physically, and psychologically. For survivors of trafficking and sexual violence, that trauma may be compounded by years of manipulation, coercion, or systemic failure.

A trauma-informed mindset shifts the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” creating a foundation of empathy, empowerment, and respect.

Core principles of TIC include:

• Safety—Establishing emotional and physical safety so survivors feel protected and respected throughout the legal process.
• Trustworthiness & Transparency—Offering clear, honest communication and demystifying legal steps to reduce anxiety or retraumatization.
• Collaboration & Mutuality—Recognizing that survivors are partners in their own cases, not just clients or witnesses.
• Empowerment, Voice & Choice—Centering survivor autonomy, reinforcing strengths, and restoring agency lost through abuse or exploitation.
• Cultural, Historical & Gender Awareness—Understanding that trafficking and sexual violence often intersect with systemic inequities tied to race, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Why It Matters in Legal Work

For survivors of trafficking and sexual assault, trust is often fragile. Many have been manipulated by authority figures or betrayed by systems meant to protect them. A trauma-informed approach helps rebuild that trust by meeting survivors with sensitivity, clarity, and respect.

It ensures we are not unintentionally recreating power imbalances or triggering traumatic memories. Instead, we listen, validate, and empower, allowing survivors to have agency in their pursuit of justice.

By centering the human being behind the case, we foster more authentic connections and better outcomes, legally and emotionally. Healing and justice are not separate goals; with the right approach, they can move hand in hand.

How Singleton Schreiber Puts TIC into Practice

At Singleton Schreiber, trauma-informed advocacy isn’t a buzzword; it’s part of how we serve. For survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, that means:

• Client Intake & Communication—We communicate clearly and compassionately, explaining each step of the legal process and listening to the survivor’s needs and boundaries.
• Respecting Agency & Choice—We empower survivors to make informed decisions about their case, recognizing that restoring control is an essential part of recovery.
• Creating Safe Spaces—Whether in-person or virtual, we ensure meetings are conducted in environments that feel private, calm, and survivor-centered.
• Team Training—Our attorneys and staff are trained to recognize signs of trauma and respond with care, patience, and professionalism.
• Referrals & Wraparound Support—We connect clients to trusted victim-services organizations, counseling, and survivor advocacy networks when needed.
• Supporting Our Team—Working with trauma cases can impact advocates, too. We provide internal support to sustain empathy without burnout.

The Bigger Picture

Human trafficking and sexual violence are not isolated crises; they are widespread, often hidden, and deeply damaging. Studies show that survivors who receive trauma-informed support experience better engagement, stronger trust, and more positive legal outcomes.

By embedding trauma-informed principles into our practice, we not only strengthen our advocacy, we help rebuild lives with dignity, compassion, and justice at the center.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual assault or human trafficking, you are not alone. Our team at Singleton Schreiber is here to listen, advocate, and stand with you every step of the way.

You are seen. You are heard. You deserve justice.