Toward a Trauma-Informed Victimology: Integrating Trauma-Informed Justice and Restorative Approaches in the Global South

Abstract

Victims often face not only primary trauma but also secondary victimization from adversarial justice systems, exposing psychological blind spots. This study conceptually examines how trauma-informed justice aligns with victimology and restorative justice to advance empathetic and equitable legal responses. Using a conceptual normative method, it synthesizes secondary data sources through thematic triangulation. Findings reveal that trauma-informed justice is guided by five principles—safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and choice—shift justice toward healing and accountability. Originality lies in framing trauma-informed justice as a bridge between victim-centered and restorative paradigms, contributing a theoretical foundation for trauma-responsive reforms in Global South contexts.