Combatting Stigma Practice Briefing

A practice briefing has been published following a Stigma and Trauma Conference held in Newcastle in May 2023.

The briefing note from Durham University’s Department of Sociology, highlights a number of critical insights about stigma related to trauma, substance use and domestic violence & abuse, and makes key recommendations to challenge stigma across health and social care, and criminal justice settings.

Recommendations

What can everyone do?

Join the anti-stigma network: www.antistigmanetwork.org.uk
Reflect on how stigma might impact upon the people you help and support
Consider if you have any embedded personal views that might result in stigmatisation
Use respectful language and treat people with dignity
Be trauma-informed, person-centred and professionally curious in your work
Speak out against stigma if you see it happening

What can I do if I’ve got strategic responsibilities?

Consider stigma a key priority focus for every service involved in combatting substance use, domestic violence and abuse, and trauma work.
Have discussions within teams about an Anti-Stigma Strategy in your workplace.
Implement and invest in a basic training pledge that includes practical ways to raise awareness and challenge stigma.

You can download a pdf of the practice briefing below or access it in full on this webpage