The Effects of System-Imposed Trauma: One Boy’s Story
Duane L. Herron, MPH, TDIMA 1 | September 23 | 11:45 am-12:45 pm
Topic: Experience | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
It is difficult to always determine if child abuse happened and if or how it happened. It is not usually difficult to determine who was abused. Systems often rely on interviews with those involved, assessments, investigations, and evidence to determine who the victim was, who the perpetrator was, the situation, and needs of the family. Less is known about how much professionals rely on informal cues, their gut reactions, and their intuition regarding certain cases. Consider an unlikely case study of abuse, not by an individual perpetrator, but by the system. System-imposed trauma is a set of circumstances in which the system, believing they are right, uses their power and authority to victimize and traumatize the innocent. In our efforts to protect vulnerable children against perpetrators, we can inadvertently do the wrong thing and thereby become the perpetrator that traumatizes others. The purpose of this session is to remind us that when we are passionate, committed to helping others, and sometimes overzealous, we need to proceed with caution so that we do not hurt the innocent in the process.
Presentation Objectives:
· Increase awareness about system-imposed trauma
· Showcase the devastating effects of system-imposed trauma
· Discuss how to increase the odds of providing safety and support to children in need