The International Justice Mission (IJM) Ghana, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, law enforcement agencies, Community Child Protection Committees and the judiciary, has completed a two-day training programme aimed at strengthening survivor-centred responses within Ghana’s child protection and justice systems. The Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Training brought together frontline professionals who work directly with vulnerable children and survivors of abuse, exploitation and violence. The programme focused on helping participants better understand trauma, its impact on survivors, and how institutions can respond in ways that promote healing while reducing the risk of re-traumatisation.
Participants also explored the effects of vicarious trauma on professionals who regularly handle sensitive cases and learned practical self-care strategies to improve their resilience and effectiveness. Strengthening collaboration among institutions Beyond individual capacity building, the training provided a platform for stakeholders across different sectors to strengthen collaboration in managing cases involving survivors. Participants discussed ways to improve referral pathways, clarify institutional responsibilities and enhance communication between agencies to ensure survivors receive coordinated support.
Facilitators highlighted how trauma can affect a survivor’s behaviour, memory, decision-making and interactions with justice institutions. They stressed the importance of creating safe and supportive environments where survivors feel respected, heard and empowered throughout the recovery process. Commitment to survivor dignity Speaking at the close of the training, Aftercare Manager at IJM Ghana, Vida Mamle-Selorm Hodinyah, said trauma-informed care goes beyond professional expertise and reflects a commitment to recognising survivors’ experiences.
“Trauma-informed care is not merely a professional skill, it is a commitment to recognising the experiences of survivors and responding in ways that promote healing and dignity,” she said. She added that when social workers, law enforcement officers, community protection actors and judicial officers share a common understanding of trauma, survivors are more likely to receive the support needed to recover. Social workers and police perspectives The Head of the Department of Social Welfar…
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