Why Trauma-Informed Practice Needs to Be the Standard - Not the Exception

Written By Fiona Bool

Trauma is everywhere. It's not just something that happens to "other people". It's in our workplaces, our communities, our gyms , and our homes.

  • 70% of the world's population has experienced trauma

  • 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse

  • 56% of female gym members have experienced harassment

Yet, most environments aren't set up to support people who carry trauma.

And that's a problem.

Individuals who have experienced trauma, such as post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often face significant barriers to engaging in physical activity. And this avoidance can adversely affect their well-being, as we already known the importance of regular physical activity with improved mental, physical and emotional health.

Trauma-informed practice isn't about treating trauma - it's about ensuring we don't add to it It's about So, What is Trauma-Informed Practice?- whether that's in a fitness class, a workplace or everyday life.

So, What is Trauma-Informed Practice?

Being trauma-informed means understanding how trauma effects people's bodies, minds, and behaviours - and making small but powerful changes to help them feel safe and empowered.

It's built around five key principles:

  • Safety - do people feel physically and emotionally safe in the space?

  • Choice - do they have autonomy over their experience?

  • Trust - is the environment predictable and reliable?

  • Empowerment -are they supported to build confidence and independence?

  • Collaboration - are their voices heard and respected?

It sounds simple, but in reality, most spaces don't consider these things at all - and for trauma survivors, that can be the difference between engaging or shutting down completely.

How This Supports Survivors of Domestic Abuse

For survivors of domestic abuse, control has often been taken away from them - over their bodies, their choices, and even their identity. Rebuilding confidence isn't as simply as "just do it". It takes safety. It takes trust.

Movement classes - when done right- can be incredibly empowering.

  • They help survivors reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels safe and in their control

  • The build confidence - not just in movement, but in making choices and trusting themselves again

  • The create community - because isolation is one of the biggest barriers to healing.

But the ripple effect doesn't stop there.

The Benefit of the Benefit of the Benefit...

During a recent training with theMovement Charity, we the knock on effects of removing barriers to exercise. Trauma-informed practice isn't just about what happens in the class - it's also about what happens after.

Let's say a survivor joins one of our RISE movement sessions. They come in feeling unsure, maybe even a little anxious. But because the class is trauma-informed, they feel safe enough to stay.

  • Benefit 1 - they start moving again, building trust in their body

  • Benefit 2 - that new confidence means, in time, they might feel ready to join another class, or go for a walk alone, or reconnect with a hobby they lost

  • Benefit 3 - that confidence spills over into everyday life - they speak up more, they set boundaries, they apply for a new job, they build healthier relationships

The impact keeps growing. This is why trauma-informed spaces matter - not just in fitness but everywhere.

Why Workplaces Need to Pay Attention

Trauma doesn't affect personal lives - it shows up at work too.

A colleague who seems disengaged? They might not be lazy- they might be dealing with a trauma response. An employee who struggles with deadlines? They might not be unreliable- they might be in survival mode.

A trauma-informed workplace means better communication, healthier teams, and more engaged employees. It's workplace well-being at its core - not just free yoga sessions and fruit bowls, but real, meaningful support.

Calling All Fitness & Wellness Pros - It's Time to Step Up

If you work in fitness, wellness or community spaces, it's time to get trauma-informed. This isn't a trend - it's a responsibility.

  • Are your spaces safe for people with lived trauma?

  • Do you give participants autonomy over their experience?

  • Are you creating an environment where they feel empowered - not pressured?

Trauma-informed practice isn't about fixing people - it's about not breaking them further.

At The Dandelion Project, we're leading the way in using movement to support survivors of domestic abuse. But this work isn't just for us - it's for everyone who works with people.

It's time to change the way we think about movement, trauma and well-being. Too many people who have experienced trauma feel shut out of fitness and wellness spaces - whether that's due to fear, past experiences, or environments that just aren't set up for them. And when they don't return to movement, their physical and mental health suffer.

But we can do better. You can do better.

If you're in fitness and wellness - ask yourself are you creating spaces where people feel safe enough to move?

If you're in leadership or workplace well-being - are you considering how trauma impacts the way your team engages, communicates, and performs?

If you're someone looking to rebuild confidence in movement - know that you deserve a space that meets you where you are.

We're committed to making movement safe, accessible and empowering for survivors of domestic abuse. But this conversation is bigger than us - it's about changing the industry, the workplace, and the way we support people everywhere.

Ready to Make a Real Difference

Trauma-informed practice isn't just a buzzword - it's a responsibility. Whether you're a fitness professional, a workplace leader, or someone simply wanting to do better, now is the time to start making change.

  • Curious about trauma-informed practice and want to learn more? Let's have a conversation

  • Looking for workshops or training to make your space more inclusive and empowering? We can help

  • Already working in this space? Let's connect and build this movement together.

CPD Training: A Trauma Informed Approach to Exercise Provision 

Are you a fitness professional who wants to be part of creating a trauma informed, safe and supportive fitness industry for all? theMovement Charity invite you to be part of our Trauma Informed Approach to Exercise Provision CPD. More information here:

https://www.themovementcharity.com/cpd

Support Services for Survivors

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are people and organisations ready to help: 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK)

Refuge

Women’s Aid

Galop (Support for LGBTQ+ Survivors)

  • National helpline for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing abuse

  • Call: 0800 999 5428

  • www.galop.org.uk

Next Chapter (Essex)

RESPECT Men’s Advice Line



Fiona Bool
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