Safety – check for safety – what does the person need to feel and keep themselves safe; you can use Maslov’s model of needs (from the top: self-actualisation, self-esteem, belongingness and love, safety and security, physiological needs), but please note that this model is fluid and people have all those needs so check in for physical safety, access to food and shelter but also for safe, validating, protective, reliable relationships – your interaction could be that first experience of safe and caring, validating interaction too
This #IWD2022 month, we are discussing stabilisation – a process of supporting traumatised people into safety. We use stabilisation as the first stage of support for victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, refugees, war veterans and people who have PTSD.
