May 2026
Taking trauma-informed practice to St Helena
The British Overseas Territories police, do not benefit from the degree-level education that new police officers are afforded on the mainland. So, in May 2026, we (Dr Anne Eason and Sarah Williams – Associate Directors of Policing, UWE Bristol) went over to the beautiful island of St Helena, in the South Atlantic to deliver some Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on domestic abuse and trauma informed practice. Originally to be delivered to the Royal St Helena Police, it rapidly transformed into a multi-agency event; two lots of four days of knowledge exchange to police, social care, child and adolescent services, probation and more. This was an incredibly impactful experience for us, learning about the island, the islanders, their culture and practices, different from the mainland yet with similar challenges. And for those participants, an opportunity to learn more about the evidence base to domestic abuse and understand the traumatic experiences of those involved in it. A journey of mindfulness and personal and professional development, this reciprocal experience is nicely captured in the reflection below from PC Jamie Peters, who has shared his learning experience and how it has impacted upon his practice.
Putting CPD into practice
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is most valuable when it can be applied immediately in practice. Following recent training on trauma-informed approaches, I have already been able to incorporate the learning into my day-to-day policing, particularly when dealing with vulnerable victims and complex domestic situations.
Working within a small police service, response officers are often the first point of contact for people experiencing some of the most difficult circumstances in their lives. This means that our approach can have a significant impact on how supported victims feel and how willing they are to engage with the criminal justice process. As a result, being victim-led and delivering the most effective service possible remains one of our highest priorities.
Responding to vulnerability and coercive control
Shortly after completing the training, I attended an incident involving concerns of controlling and coercive behaviour within a household. The circumstances presented an opportunity to immediately put the principles of trauma-informed policing into practice. Rather than focusing solely on the events that had been reported, I was able to consider the wider context of the victim’s experiences, their behaviour, and the potential impact that ongoing abuse may have had on their decision-making and interactions with police.
The training reinforced the importance of understanding that trauma can affect how people communicate, recall events, and engage with support services. By adopting a trauma-informed approach, I was able to take more time to listen, build rapport, and better understand the victim’s circumstances. This helped ensure that the victim felt heard and supported while allowing me to gather a fuller picture of the situation.
Applying this approach also uncovered an instance of physical abuse within the same household. This discovery was pivotal, as it revealed a pattern of more serious allegations affecting a victim over a period of more than ten years. By recognizing the signs of trauma and taking a victim-led approach, I was able to identify risks and safeguard the individual in a way that may not have been possible through a standard response approach.
Understanding the impact of trauma
One of the key messages from the training was the importance of recognising that victims may not always present in the way we expect. Understanding the effects of trauma helps officers avoid making assumptions and instead focus on the individual’s experiences and needs. This perspective proved particularly valuable during this incident and influenced the way I approached conversations, safeguarding considerations, and the support options that were offered.
From learning to lasting practice
The experience demonstrated how effective CPD can be when learning is directly relevant to operational policing. The ability to take knowledge gained in a training environment and apply it immediately in a real-world context not only benefits officers but also improves outcomes for victims and communities.
As policing continues to evolve, so too must our understanding of the people we serve. The trauma-informed training has provided practical tools and greater awareness that I will continue to use throughout my role. It has reinforced the importance of putting victims at the centre of our decision-making and ensuring that every interaction is approached with professionalism, empathy, and an understanding of the potential impact of trauma.
For me, this training was not simply an academic exercise or another death by PowerPoint; it has already influenced my policing style and enhanced the service I am able to provide to members of our community.
Looking ahead
Thanks to Jamie for sharing his experience. We look forward to returning to St Helena in the future and extending this to other islands of the British Overseas Territories.
Anne and Sarah
Dr Anne Eason & Sarah Williams – Associate Directors of Policing at UWE Bristol
Editorial Team
Paul Williamson (Editor-in-Chief); Claudia McCready (Lecturer); Claire Bowers (Senior Lecturer); Eve Smietanko (Joint Programme Leader & Senior Lecturer) and Ian Lowe (Senior Lecturer).