ICDVP Trauma-Informed Care 3

Question 1

What is 'secondary traumatic stress' (STS) and why is it relevant to domestic violence advocates?

Accepted Answer

Trauma symptoms experienced by helpers who are indirectly exposed to others' traumatic material

Answer

Secondary traumatic stress occurs when advocates and helpers develop trauma-like symptoms from exposure to survivors' traumatic experiences, making self-care and organizational support essential.

Question 2

How does trauma bonding explain why some survivors remain in or return to abusive relationships?

Accepted Answer

Cycles of abuse and intermittent reinforcement create strong psychological attachment to the abuser

Answer

Trauma bonding develops through cycles of abuse and intermittent positive reinforcement, creating a powerful psychological attachment that makes leaving extremely difficult for survivors.

Question 3

Which of the following best reflects a trauma-informed response when a survivor expresses ambivalence about leaving their abuser?

Accepted Answer

Validate the complexity of their feelings and support their autonomy in decision-making

Answer

Trauma-informed care recognizes ambivalence as a normal and expected response to complex trauma and relationship dynamics, and honors survivor autonomy rather than imposing timelines or ultimatums.

Question 4

In a trauma-informed organization, which of the following structural changes is MOST important for preventing re-traumatization of survivors?

Accepted Answer

Designing physical spaces to promote safety, privacy, and calm, and training all staff in trauma awareness

Answer

Organizational trauma-informed practice requires both environmental changes — creating safe, welcoming physical spaces — and staff training so that every point of contact reflects trauma-informed principles.

Question 5

Attachment theory contributes to trauma-informed care in domestic violence settings by helping advocates understand that:

Accepted Answer

Early attachment experiences shape how survivors respond to relationships, help-seeking, and trust

Answer

Attachment theory explains how early relational experiences shape internal working models that influence how survivors form relationships, respond to helpers, and navigate trust — informing more effective advocacy approaches.

(ICDVP) Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals Practice Test

(ICDVP) Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professionals Practice Test

ICDVP Trauma-Informed Care 3