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Breaking the Trauma Cycle: Survival, Coping, and Retraumatization Explained

Writer's picture: Alexis AlbroAlexis Albro

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding the Cycle of Retraumatization 

Surviving sexual assault is an immensely brave journey, but navigating life after trauma often presents its own unique set of challenges. Through my work at Survivor Rising LLC, and my dedication to creating trauma-informed systems, I have witnessed how survivors face recurring barriers that can hinder their healing. This inspired me to create a tool—a visual framework—called the Cycle of Retraumatization, aimed at helping survivors, advocates, and professionals better understand the interconnected dynamics of survival, coping, and retraumatization. 


What Is the Cycle of Retraumatization? 

The Cycle of Retraumatization is a comprehensive map illustrating the complex patterns that survivors often experience as they navigate their healing journey. The framework acknowledges the following: 

  • Survival: The framework acknowledges the resilience it takes to endure trauma and the mechanisms survivors develop to protect themselves in the moment. Survival can manifest in various ways, including hypervigilance, dissociation, or the need to isolate. 

  • Coping: Survivors may seek ways to process and manage their trauma. Coping mechanisms range from healthy tools such as therapy, journaling, or connecting with trusted individuals to more challenging behaviors like substance use or self-isolation—which often arise out of necessity rather than choice. 

  • Retraumatization: Tragically, many survivors encounter systems or interactions that unintentionally perpetuate their trauma. Retraumatization can occur within the court systems, healthcare settings, or even personal relationships, often because these spaces lack trauma-informed practices. 

This cycle is not linear but rather a looping and overlapping process. Survivors may find themselves moving between each critical point multiple times, depending on their circumstances and the support they receive. 


Why I Created This Framework 

In working with survivors and professionals, I realized there was a gap in understanding how systemic structures can unintentionally harm those they aim to help. The court system, in particular, is one area where retraumatization frequently occurs. Survivors seeking justice are often met with questioning tactics, prolonged processes, or environments that fail to prioritize their emotional well-being. 



The Cycle of Retraumatization framework serves as a bridge, offering survivors a way to name their experiences and empowering systems to become part of the solution rather than part of the problem. By visualizing this cycle, I aim to: 

  • Empower survivors: Giving survivors language and tools to advocate for themselves. 

  • Educate systems: Helping court officials, healthcare providers, and others recognize the role they play in either perpetuating trauma or facilitating healing. 

  • Encourage systemic change: Promoting trauma-informed practices as the standard. 

 

Free Resources for Court Systems and Beyond 

As part of my commitment to making this framework widely accessible, I created a bench card for individuals working within the court system. This resource does focus on sex trafficking, but don't worry, the framework and checklist, labeled "Assessing the Impact of Retraumatization" and "Adopting a Trauma Informed Approach" respectively can be used for any case, even those unrelated to sex trafficking. The download includes the Cycle of Retraumatization diagram, alongside actionable strategies for reducing harm and fostering a trauma-informed courtroom. Judges, legal professionals, and other advocates can download the Bench Card for free, empowering them to create environments that support rather than retraumatize survivors. 


How to Access the Bench Card 

The Bench Card is available as a free download at HTS | Survivor Rising. By sharing this tool, I hope to inspire a ripple effect of understanding and change, one that extends far beyond individual courtrooms to transform how we collectively approach trauma. 


Building a Future Free of Retraumatization 

Creating the Cycle of Retraumatization was a deeply personal and professional journey. It reflects my commitment to standing alongside survivors, honoring their resilience, and advocating for systemic change. I invite everyone—whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or a professional—to explore this framework, share it widely, and join me in breaking the cycle of retraumatization. Together, we can build systems that heal rather than harm. 

 

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