Environment

• The physical or social setting in which people live or interact in – often referred to as milieu.

• Creating physical safety involves creating an environment where people can interact not just with each other but also with the physical items in it. Since traumatized individuals perception and experiences of the world can be altered, careful consideration should be made when spaces such as entry ways, hall ways, waiting rooms, signage, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, bedrooms, medical equipment and furniture are built and purchased to reduce the chances of re-traumatization.

Here are some factors to consider when creating a safe environment:

• Signage – Is the wording framed as what you can do vs. what you can’t do?

• Are your waiting areas welcoming and friendly with comfortable furniture with maintenance up to date?

• Do you have information in client/patient areas that is intended to assist staff but may be triggering for clients/patients?

• Provide culturally appropriate symbols of safety in the physical environment (e.g. the LGBTQI rainbow flag, culturally diverse posters).

• Artwork – Is the art work displayed calming to most people? Some abstract artwork has been found to be triggering. Natures scenes are described as the most calming.