What are trauma recovery centers?

Trauma Recovery Centers (TRCs) are a breakthrough evidence-based model to provide accessible, community-based services to victims of violence who the traditional justice system often overlooks.

TRCs provide both emergency help in the immediate aftermath of violence as well as long-term therapeutic support. The free and comprehensive program helps victims:

• Apply for compensation
• Find emergency housing if needed
• Communicate with employers
• Access school accommodations for children
• Access both peer support and professional mental health support

This wraparound care costs much less than traditional, fee-for-service victim services programs.

Studies show that TRC clients have better mental health outcomes and reduced repeat victimization, as well as improved stability related to employment, housing and childcare.

Helping victims to heal breaks cycles of harm, making families and communities stronger.

What services do trauma recovery centers provide?

Trauma recovery centers provide support to meet immediate needs such as food, clothing, transportation access and emergency housing, as well as long-term therapeutic support. They also help victims apply for victim compensation and, if needed, arrange for victims to receive more specialized assistance, such as substance abuse treatment, sexual assault or domestic violence services, legal advocacy, peer support and more.

How can more crime victims gain access to trauma recovery centers?

Since 2015, our advocacy has helped establish more than 50 TRCs in cities across the nation. Still, too many victims don’t get help and the need for TRCs exceeds current capacity. While most cities continue to lack these life-saving services, more than half of TRCs are running a waitlist because they do not have sufficient funding to immediately serve all survivors who seek their support. Alliance for Safety and Justice advocates for stable and sustainable funding for TRCs to meet victims’ needs