15.1 Introduction

Trauma impacts many people in many different capacities including those receiving care and providing care in the healthcare system. Supporters of a trauma-informed approach recognize the prevalence of trauma survivors within health care settings and are aware that the service setting can also be a source of re-traumatization. As stated in the article “Trauma-Informed Nursing Practice,” understanding how trauma has affected patients’ lives and their interactions within the health care system is fundamental to responding to patients’ needs and promotes better physical and mental health outcomes.^[1]

Nurses provide care for clients who are experiencing or have experience potentially traumatic events such as neglect, abuse, and intimate partner violence; but also historical, intergenerational, and societal traumas. This chapter will discuss adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care, abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults, and intimate partner violence. Be aware that the content in this chapter may trigger powerful emotions, especially for survivors of similar traumatic experiences. Self-awareness and self-care practices should guide your engagement with this chapter.

For more on trauma-informed care, see Chapter 2. For more on working with anger and aggression, and dealing with workplace violence, see Chapter 2.