Decolonizing Indigenous Trauma Treatment and Research Paradigms (Institute on Violence, Abuse & Trauma)

There is a global movement within Indigenous communities toward decolonization (Hill, Lau, & Sue, 2010). In fact, for many Indigenous Nations Western psychology serves as a modern form of colonization perpetuating oppression and marginalization (Hill, Pace, & Robbins, 2010; Mohawk, 2004). When considering the treatment implications for Native American women who are survivors of sexual assault, as approximately 56% have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey [NISVS], 2010; Rosay, 2016). It is essential to access decolonized treatment strategies and engage trauma-informed research with these participants. In light of a recent white paper outlining a call to action acknowledging the experiences of Native American women and girls impacted by sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, sexual violence, and those who have gone missing or murdered (Ross, GreyWolf, Tehee, Henry, & Cheromiah, 2018), there is support for clinicians to become equipped with culturally-informed approaches to address the needs of Native survivors. The panel will discuss the systemic issues that can lead to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The panelists will also reflect on opportunities to implement decolonized treatment strategies with survivors of sexual assault.

Register HERE.