Effective Communication Skills And How Sexual Assault...

Effective communication skills are important in everyday life, from home to work and even social outings. Working with trauma patients it is vital to have effective communication skills. In particular those healing from child sexual abuse, sexual violence and domestic abuse (Sanderson, 2013). The American Psychological Association (2015) defines trauma as and ‘emotional response to a terrible event such as rape...reactions include; flashbacks, nausea, unpredictable emotions, strained relationships and headaches’. This research essay will examine how verbal encouragers, active listening and providing a sense safety are all skills that are important to a Sexual Assault Worker and why they are imperative. As well as aiming to understand†¦show more content†¦A beneficial way of avoiding this is the use of verbal encouragers. According to Hazelwood Shakespear-Finch (2011) â€Å"Hhmm†, â€Å"Aahh†, â€Å"Right†, â€Å"Oohh†, â€Å"Okayâ⠂¬ , â€Å"Aha† or â€Å"Mmhm† are just some of the short phrases or words a practitioner may say to confirm they are listening to their client. With the occasional use of these verbal encouragers, it sidesteps any unnecessary confusion that may hinder the client practitioner relationship. Non-verbal encouragers can also make it easier for people to speak. Simple eye contact, nods, smiles and facial expressions can leave people feeling relaxed and more willing you talk (Dawn, 2002). In situations where there are cultural differences verbal and non-verbal encouragers are not as positive. Take for example a client who is an Aboriginal Elder and the practitioner who is a young Caucasian Social Worker that was unaware of Aboriginal cultural protocols and etiquette. In Western culture it is respectful and a sign of active listening to look a person in the eye the whole time you are conversing with them. However for Aboriginals it is complete reverse, when you don’t look straight into an Aboriginal person’s eyes you are showing them that you respect them. Situations such as these can make both parties feel uncomfortable (Laguerre, Shanahan, Ferguson, 2014). Active Listening is a key communication skill that is vital when taking to truma affected clients Hazelwood Shakespear-Finch (2011) describe it