CONFERENCE ON 16.06.2026 at the University of Applied Sciences in Berlin for Social Work "Trauma-informed practice in an interdisciplinary context"

Foto: Veranstalterin

As part of the conference “Trauma-Informed Practice in an Interdisciplinary Context” at the Catholic University of Applied Sciences Berlin, I had the opportunity to give a presentation on “Restorative Justice and Trauma in the Prison System.” The event, organized by Prof. Dr. Selin Arikoglu, brought together professionals from academia, the judiciary, therapy, social work, and practice, creating an intensive space for interdisciplinary exchange on the significance of trauma within the context of criminal justice systems.

Particularly noteworthy was the successful combination of academic reflection and practical experience that characterized this conference. Prof. Dr. Selin Arikoglu has a remarkable ability to bring together diverse perspectives and created a framework within which complex interrelationships between trauma, the penal system, and professional practice could be examined in a nuanced way.

The central premise of my presentation was that trauma in the prison system should not be understood as an exceptional phenomenon, but rather as a structurally relevant reality. Many inmates have their own histories of violence, neglect, or loss. At the same time, victims of crime are also frequently confronted with the long-term psychological and social consequences of violence. In traditional criminal proceedings, however, these experiences often remain marginal. The focus is primarily on the crime and its legal assessment, less so on the biographical and emotional contexts of those involved. It was precisely here that the need became clear to more strongly integrate trauma-related perspectives into the analysis and design of criminal justice practice.

Another key focus of my presentation was how to develop a trauma-sensitive perspective on behavior without relativizing responsibility. Trauma was not understood as an explanation in the sense of an excuse, but rather as a context that enables understanding and can thus strengthen the foundation for genuine accountability. Restorative justice offers a theoretical and practical framework for this. This approach shifts the focus away from mere punishment and toward addressing the consequences of violence, the needs of those affected, and the possibilities for reparation and taking responsibility. Guilt is not eliminated, but rather made manageable.

In the presentation, we explored how restorative justice and trauma-related perspectives can be related within the context of the penal system. My goal/challenge was to build a bridge between the theoretical foundations of restorative justice and the real-world challenges of professional practice in the justice system, probation services, and related fields.

This connection was clearly embraced by the participants and further developed in the subsequent discussion. The exchange revealed a high level of interest in how restorative and trauma-sensitive approaches can be integrated into existing structures without disregarding their legal and institutional frameworks.

The conference made it clear that trauma, responsibility and restorative justice are closely intertwined and cannot be viewed in isolation.

A trauma-informed restorative approach opens up perspectives for making those affected more visible, enabling a more nuanced approach to responsibility, and considering dialogue as an integral part of professional practice. I particularly remember the participants' openness to new perspectives and the intensive professional exchange across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. The conference demonstrated to me (once again) how valuable spaces are where academic perspectives and practical experience converge and can be further developed collaboratively.