The barriers to trauma-informed care in Canada: A critical analysis of health system characteristics and implications for individuals who have experienced sexual violence.

This article examines the challenges and opportunities related to implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) for individuals who have experienced sexual violence within the Canadian healthcare system. It outlines the prevalence and impact of sexual violence in Canada, emphasizing the need for healthcare services that prioritize safety, trustworthiness, empowerment, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness. The authors identify systemic barriers to TIC, including provincially regulated healthcare, a reactive acute care model, and the dominance of the medical-diagnostic approach, which often conflicts with trauma-informed principles. They advocate for national funding, public policy strategies, incorporation of TIC into healthcare education, and expanded research to support the widespread integration of trauma-informed practices across Canada’s diverse healthcare settings.