Summary: While it is common for women with substance use problems to have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse, and exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, there has been limited historical precedence for trauma-informed practice and trauma-specific substance use services. It was in this context that the featured study explored how practitioners in England have responded to women’s support needs around trauma.

Key points from summary and commentary
• The featured study explored practitioners’ experiences of supporting women with substance use problems, histories of interpersonal abuse, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
• There has been limited historical precedence for ‘trauma-informed’ practice, which provides practitioners with a framework to avoid re-traumatisation, promote physical safety, and build up the existing or inherent strengths in their clients.
• However, across a range of professional backgrounds and disciplines, this small group of practitioners emulated important components of trauma-informed practice and promoted a ‘safety-first’ approach reliant on multi-agency working.