Preventing vicarious trauma through the research process as healing justice praxis

This article explores how our research team integrated abolition feminism (Davis et al, 2022), critical inquiry, embodiment and praxis-based knowledge into a four-year process investigating transformative justice (TJ) and restorative justice (RJ) remedies for gender-based violence. To generate insights, we used an iterative approach that involved reflective memo writing, team dialogue and engagement with relevant literature on gender-based violence and vicarious trauma. Drawing from healing justice and praxis (Freire, 1968; Pyles, 2020; Page and Woodland, 2023), we wove together reflection and action to foster belonging, meaningful productivity and collective growth. This process not only deepened our understanding of TJ and RJ, but also supported us in reducing vicarious trauma and mitigating its harms. We share these insights to aid other researchers in developing trauma-informed, justice-oriented approaches to address gender-based violence and its impacts.