Towards Trauma-informed Anthropological Inquiry and Educational Practices

Have you ever considered how the spaces we inhabit shape our identities and experiences, especially for those carrying the burden of past trauma? Recently, I had the honour of addressing this profound topic at the “Anthropology and Education” major conference held by the Royal Anthropological Institute at the University of London on June 27th, 2024. My presentation delved into the intricate ways trauma influences the relationship of CSA survivors with their domestic spaces.

The Household: A Central Theme in Anthropology

The household is a cornerstone of anthropological debate. Within the home, culture is crafted, traditions and stories are preserved and transformed, and identities are continuously reshaped. However, the home is not a sanctuary for everyone. For adult survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA), spatiality and domesticity reveal how media memories are created, connected, transmitted, eluded, and re-enacted.

The Intersection of Trauma, Space, and Education

My ongoing fieldwork aims to shed light on the complex relationship between trauma, spatial awareness, and educational contexts that can support survivors’ healing processes. By examining survivors’ lived experiences and their interactions with physical and digital domestic spaces, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into the impact of CSA trauma.

A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Trauma

Through visually oriented qualitative interviews, survivors’ narratives are captured, highlighting how their traumatic experiences have shaped their perceptions of personal and shared spaces. Complementing these narratives, visual ethnography-based methods document the visual and spatial elements associated with their experiences. This holistic approach not only deepens our understanding of trauma’s impact but also contributes to developing trauma-informed educational practices.

The Role of Autoethnography in Healing

Current surveys suggest that practising autoethnography can assist CSA survivors in sharing their stories, fostering healing and resilience. Emerging evidence points to the significance of trauma-informed anthropological teaching and practice. By emphasising comprehensive support systems and safeguarding, we can address survivors’ vulnerable challenges, including trauma-informed care, culturally appropriate interventions, and community-based initiatives promoting healing and resilience.

Trauma-Informed Interviews and Visual Methods

When conducting trauma-informed interviews, asking open-ended questions, practising active listening, and being mindful of nonverbal cues are crucial. Incorporating visual and participatory methods can effectively capture spatial experiences. Techniques such as verbal mapping and participant-led documentation can reveal insights traced back to body language. Engaging with visual materials provided by participants and encouraging reflection on how these narratives impact their understanding of space are essential components of this approach.

Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on creating safe and culturally attuned spaces.