TraumaHR - Trauma-Informed Human Resources Practices at VAW Shelter

The project's main objective is to increase human resources capacity of the NYWS leadership and staff team within a trauma informed framework. NYWS is committed to building its human resources program by embedding a trauma informed framework in how the agency will recruit, retain and engage its workforce. The development, review and formalization of human resources practices and programs will be conducted by a designated Human Resources Professional who will increase individual managers’ expertise in human resources matters while supporting the agency in meeting its organizational objective of minimizing further trauma to its clients who are using its services.
Violence against women (VAW) shelters, once non-hierarchal grass roots organizations that were structured as collectives, have grown greatly in complexity. Many, such as NYWS, are now unionized and serve women and children with far more complex needs and for much longer periods of time. There is a marked lack of capacity seen across the sector with respect to Human Resources, leading to conflict, stultification and often, a recreation of toxic or traumatic dynamics for and between both staff and our vulnerable client population. Trauma-informed capacity building in the area of human resources is therefore critical in order to create a safe and accountable environment for both clients and staff.