In Survivors’ Words: Helpful and Unhelpful Aspects of Victim Services in Canada

Trauma-informed service design for victims and survivors of violence necessitates the centering of the voices of those with lived experience. Through a survey and interviews with 435 survivors of violence in Canada, this study aims to center the lived experience of victims and survivors by providing a first-hand account of how they experience support services. Through a national study, we asked survivors what they found particularly helpful and particularly unhelpful when accessing victim support services. Responses were analyzed thematically to identify helpful and unhelpful aspects of service provision. Our analysis revealed five main themes: Trauma-Informed Service Provision, Access to Knowledge and Information, and Personalized Support, all of which were categorized as “helpful,” and Inadequate Service Provision and Barriers to Services, each of which were classified as “unhelpful. Through these findings, we aim to represent victims’ experiences navigating support services, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of their needs during this challenging process. We use these findings to make recommendations for service providers. By highlighting the critical role of trauma-informed care, this research underscores its significance in promoting positive outcomes for victims seeking support.