Trauma-Informed Practice

The Aftershock Review is a survivor-led, trauma-informed poetry magazine and press. Much of the work we publish — and many of the people we work with — are shaped by trauma, illness, marginalisation, or crisis.

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Our trauma-informed approach recognises both the power of creative expression and the need for care, choice, and agency.

 

Our Principles

Our work is guided by the following principles:

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• Safety: We aim to create environments where people feel as safe as possible.

• Trust & Transparency: We communicate clearly about processes, expectations, and decisions.

• Choice & Agency: Participation is voluntary, and contributors retain control over what they share.

• Collaboration: We value mutual respect and shared responsibility.

• Empowerment: Lived experience is recognised as expertise, not deficit.

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Editorial Practice

In practice, this means we aim to:

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• Avoid sensationalising or exploiting trauma

• Respect contributors’ boundaries and limits

• Allow contributors to step back or pause where needed

• Be mindful of power dynamics in editorial relationships

• Use careful, respectful language in feedback

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We welcome work that draws on personal history, memory, and lived experience. We do not require contributors to disclose personal histories, diagnoses, or trauma, and we do not assess or verify personal experience. Work is selected on artistic merit, urgency, and integrity; however, we will not knowingly publish work that misrepresents, fabricates, or exploits trauma in bad faith.

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Events and Public Spaces

 

For events and workshops, we aim to:

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• Share clear information about content and format in advance

• Signal potentially difficult themes where appropriate

• Encourage people to take breaks or step away if needed

• Foster a culture of consent, care, and mutual respect

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Limits of Support

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While we work with compassion and care, The Aftershock Review is not a clinical or therapeutic service and cannot provide crisis or mental health support. We encourage individuals to seek appropriate professional or community support where needed.

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Trauma-informed practice is ongoing. We listen, reflect, and adapt.