Behind the uniform: Addressing trauma in the security sector
Join us online on 14 September to launch DCAF's new Guide on "Assessing and addressing trauma in the security sector" and to hear from leading voices in mental health and psychosocial support, peace building and security sector governance on why this matters and what can be done about it.
Trauma is an occupational hazard in the security sector, yet it is rarely treated as a governance issue. Police, military and other security personnel face repeated exposure to violence, human suffering and high-pressure environments. The effects don't stop with the individual: they shape institutional culture, decision-making, and trust with the communities these institutions serve, with direct consequences for reform, operational effectiveness, and duty of care.
The guide brings a non-clinical, organizational lens to trauma. It offers practical guidance for senior security institution leaders and decisionmakers, practitioners, oversight bodies and reform partners: 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘂𝗺𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁.
