Trauma-informed Law Conference, 2025

In Australia, we continue to put extensive emphasis on the use of the biomedical model to understand and treat mental health conditions, with a heavy reliance upon restrictive and re-traumatising practices such as restraint, seclusion and enforced medications as go-to treatments. This is even though trauma-informed practices contribute positively and significantly to the mental health of individuals, families, and carers, by fostering environments that prioritise safety, trust, empowerment and cultural sensitivity.