This book provides a broad perspective on trauma and recovery which not only considers the immediate impact of trauma, and how people cope, but the longer-term impact and recovery process. Powell shares the journeys of people with lived experience of family and sexual violence, as well as insights from both research and practice evidence. In doing so, this book brings together what we know about trauma and its impacts on our thoughts, feelings and actions, as well as the daily struggles of recovery in the aftermath. Written in an accessible style, and with real accounts of pathways to healing, this book is intended as a resource both for practitioners, counsellors, therapists and case workers – and for those looking for some insights into their own journey of recovery. It features reflective activities in each substantive chapter that apply the learnings from research, lived experience, and practitioners and therapists in the field.

Dr Anastasia Powell is Professor of Family and Sexual Violence at RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia). As a criminologist and social worker she brings over 20 years combined experience to her research, teaching and practice. Her work is informed by her scholarship, lived experience, and a deep commitment to survivor-informed approaches to healing, justice and social change.