FROM TRAUMA TO AGENCY
A Trauma-Informed Model of Pastoral Care in the Aftermath of Verbal Abuse
Keywords:
Agency, Anger Emotion, Power Relations, Restorative Justice, Traumatic Memory, Trauma-Informed Pastoral Care, Verbal AbuseAbstract
This study aims to analyze the impact of trauma resulting from verbal abuse in unequal workplace relationships and formulate a trauma-informed pastoral care model. The study uses a critical-reflective method within a practical-empirical theology paradigm with a case study approach to the experience of Riri, a victim of verbal violence in the workplace. This study argues that trauma resulting from verbal abuse cannot be understood solely as an individual emotional problem, but rather as an experience shaped by traumatic memories and unequal power relations. Therefore, trauma-informed pastoral care needs to shift from the traditional paradigm centered on forgiveness to one oriented toward restoring the victim's agency. The proposed model emphasizes the importance of remembering correctly, validating anger emotions, building safe and just communities, and empowering victims to regain the capacity to act meaningfully.
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