Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.230

Advancing Trauma-Informed Practice Through Digital Tools: Insights From Three European Erasmus+ Projects

Marina Letica Crepulja ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Department of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Braće Branchetta 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia *
Stephan Parmentier ; Faculty of Law and Criminology, Catholic University Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Aleksandra Stevanović ; Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Krešimirova 42, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Ul. Viktora cara Emina 5, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Victoria Wozniak-Cole ; Faculty of Law and Criminology, Catholic University Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Laura Hein ; Faculty of Law and Criminology, Catholic University Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Mina Rauschenbach ; Faculty of Law and Criminology, Catholic University Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
Pantelis Balaouras ; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Konstantinos Tsibanis ; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Objectives: Exposure to trauma is widespread
across Europe due to forced migration, violence,
wars, natural disasters, health threats, and social
instability. People who use public services may
have post-traumatic symptoms that often remain
unrecognized because professionals in public services
lack sufficient knowledge and experience in
mental health. Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP) provides a framework for understanding and responding
to trauma, shifting the focus from the
question “What is wrong with you?” to “What
happened to you?”. This abstract presents three
Erasmus+ projects – Post-Traumatic Integration
(PTI), Trauma-Informed Practice for Public Services
(TIPS), and Trauma-Informed Practice for Kids (TIP
FOR KIDS) – aimed at integrating trauma-informed
practice principles into professional and
educational settings and developing educational
materials on trauma for professionals who do
not work in the field of mental health. Methods:
Needs assessments in seven European countries
guided the development of practical educational
materials on the application of trauma-informed
practices for professionals from various sectors.
The materials promote safety, trust, empowerment,
collaboration, and emotional regulation,
and enable better understanding of and more
effective responses to trauma in everyday work.
Results: The results include trauma-informed
practice guidelines, case studies, interactive platforms,
mobile applications, educational materials
and trainings, podcasts, and an artificial intelligence–
based chatbot. All materials are available
in nine languages, including Croatian. They are
aimed at strengthening professionals’ capacity
to recognize trauma, reduce retraumatization,
manage stress, and foster inclusive environments
that support recovery, resilience, and well-being.
Conclusions: By providing practical educational
materials, the Erasmus+ projects contribute to
secondary prevention of trauma and retraumatization
in education, public services, and support
systems. Trauma-informed practices enhance
psychosocial support, reduce harm, and strengthen
professionals’ ability to respond to trauma in
diverse groups and settings.

Keywords

trauma; trauma-informed practice; Erasmus+; public services

Hrčak ID:

352378

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352378

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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