Understanding Trauma-Informed Practices in Title IX Investigations

When we talk about Title IX investigations, it’s easy to focus on policies, procedures, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. But there’s a critical component that often gets overlooked: the human experience. Title IX cases often involve individuals who have endured significant trauma, and as investigators, our approach can make a profound impact on their well-being and the outcome of the case. That’s where trauma-informed practices come in.

I’ve seen firsthand how trauma can affect people. My career began in law enforcement, where I responded to some of the most intense and traumatic situations imaginable. I’ve been the first to arrive at scenes of violence, witnessed the aftermath of tragedies, and have worked tirelessly to rescue innocent lives from danger. These experiences have deeply shaped how I handle investigations today, especially in the realm of civil rights and Title IX. In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned about trauma-informed practices and why they are so crucial in this line of work.

What Are Trauma-Informed Practices?

Trauma-informed practices are approaches that recognize the prevalence of trauma and its impact on individuals. In Title IX investigations, this means being aware of how trauma can affect a complainant’s or respondent’s behavior, memory, and emotional state. It also means creating an environment that minimizes the risk of retraumatization and ensures that all parties feel respected, heard, and understood.

These practices are not about compromising the integrity of an investigation or giving anyone an unfair advantage. Instead, they are about understanding the science of trauma and using that knowledge to conduct investigations that are both thorough and compassionate. Trauma can manifest in many ways — shifting emotions, fragmented memories, or physical distress — and it’s our job as investigators to handle these situations with care and sensitivity.

The Science Behind Trauma

To truly understand trauma-informed practices, it helps to know a bit about the science behind trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic event, their brain often goes into survival mode. The body releases stress hormones, and the brain’s focus shifts to protecting the individual from harm. As a result, the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and memory formation can be disrupted.

This is why someone who has experienced trauma may have gaps in their memory or may recall events in a non-linear way. They might also have strong emotional reactions or experience symptoms like anxiety or hypervigilance. Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it affects the whole person. As Title IX investigators, we need to be aware of these effects and adjust our approach accordingly.

Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices

So, what does a trauma-informed Title IX investigation look like? It starts with creating a safe and supportive environment. Here are some key components:

1. Building Trust and Rapport: From the first point of contact, it’s essential to build trust with the individuals involved in the case. This means being transparent about the investigation process, explaining what to expect, and assuring them that their well-being is a priority. Small actions, like making sure they know they can take breaks or choose where to sit during an interview, can make a big difference.
2. Active Listening and Empathy: Listening without judgment and showing empathy are fundamental. When someone shares their experience, we need to be fully present and acknowledge the difficulty of what they’re going through. Phrases like, “I understand this may be hard to talk about” or “Take your time” show that you care and are there to support them.
3. Avoiding Retraumatization: Retraumatization occurs when something triggers the trauma again, causing the person to relive the distress. Investigators can minimize the risk of retraumatization by being mindful of their tone, avoiding aggressive questioning, and allowing the individual to have control over certain aspects of the interview, like taking breaks when needed. It’s also important to explain why we’re asking certain questions to make the process feel less invasive.
4. Understanding Trauma Responses: People respond to trauma in different ways. Some may appear detached or unemotional, while others might be visibly distressed. It’s crucial not to interpret these reactions as signs of dishonesty or unreliability. Instead, we need to understand that trauma affects everyone differently and adjust our approach based on the individual’s needs.

Why Trauma-Informed Practices Matter

You might wonder why these practices are so important. After all, our primary goal is to conduct a fair and impartial investigation, right? Absolutely. But fairness and compassion are not mutually exclusive. In fact, using trauma-informed practices enhances the integrity of an investigation.

When people feel safe and respected, they are more likely to share their experiences openly and honestly. This leads to more accurate and comprehensive accounts, which ultimately benefits the investigation. Additionally, being trauma-informed helps build trust between investigators and the campus community, demonstrating that we are committed to handling these sensitive cases with the care they deserve.

Personal Reflection

My journey to understanding trauma-informed practices has been shaped by my own experiences. When I was a first responder in law enforcement, I saw the devastating impact trauma could have on people. I’ll never forget the active shooter situation at an apartment complex where two children were held hostage. We had to force our way in, and those moments changed me. Witnessing the fear and vulnerability in those kids’ eyes made me realize the profound effect trauma has on individuals, and it inspired me to approach my work with greater empathy and care.

Now, as a Title IX investigator, I carry those lessons with me every day. It’s not just about following procedures; it’s about understanding the people behind the cases and doing everything I can to ensure that they feel supported, no matter the outcome.

Conclusion

Understanding trauma-informed practices in Title IX investigations is not just a nice addition to our skill set — it’s essential. We owe it to the individuals we work with to be compassionate, informed, and fair. By creating environments where people feel safe to share their stories, we uphold the integrity of the investigation while also contributing to healing and trust within our communities.

Trauma-informed practices are about recognizing the humanity in each case and using our knowledge to make a meaningful difference. As investigators, we are in a position to either add to someone’s trauma or help mitigate it. I choose the latter, and I hope others in this field will continue to do the same.