You know where you feel safe: trauma-informed and aware health care for Stolen Generations survivors

For many survivors, we can carry lifelong grief, fear and mistrust, linking back to our forced removal from our families, Country, identity and culture — routine and clinical environments can often mirror the institutions where we experienced physical abuse and were traumatised. 

Our experience as survivors reflects why trauma-informed care matters in everyday practice.

That is why the treatment we receive from a healthcare professional can be a factor in whether we decide to return or not — or worse — we forgo healthcare entirely out of fear of reliving our trauma through triggers. This is a huge health risk our people experience daily — and the outcome can be devastating.

Personally, the signs and triggers are about feelings, how I’m made to feel.

I know now where I feel safe, and where I don’t feel safe. 

Communication is of utmost importance. When our people do not fully understand medical terminology — it needs to be carefully explained. We must also not forget the significance of non-verbal communication, which often can (sometimes unintentionally), send messages showing negative and unwelcomed attitudes. 

Fortunately for professionals, The Healing Foundation, of which I support as a member of its Stolen Generations Reference Group, has developed resources to help healthcare professionals embed trauma-informed principles in their daily practice. 

These resources are designed to support service providers and healthcare professionals better understand the needs of Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants. 

Our stories — an important reminder for healthcare professionals 

I am a Kokotha and Mirning woman of South Australia’s far west coast, with over 40 years in Indigenous affairs, across State and Federal government agencies. I am a survivor of the Stolen Generations. 

My removal from my mother was enabled under discriminatory state laws. These laws were only for Aboriginal people. 

When my mother attempted to get help and support from a government agency her five young children were forcibly removed. I was just 25 months old.

In South Australia, under the Aborigines Act, the Chief Protector was the legal guardian of every Aboriginal and half-caste child of the state — Aboriginal parents had no rights. 

The Protector on signing an administrative order could commit any Aboriginal child to state welfare until they were 18 years old. The law remained in place until it was amended in 1962. 

At such a young age, I have no memory of what happened that day — but I do know my body holds the experience. Without immediate care and treatment, the trauma remains and my siblings suffer. It’s not that simple to just get over or forget. 

Being taken from my mother and placed in an institution and then in foster care compounded my trauma. I spent 16 years as a ward of the state. As a six-year-old child, I was told my mother did not want me so she gave me away — somehow, I felt this was not possible.

I grew up experiencing overwhelming emotions of sadness and fear, compounded by the feeling of being unwanted and inferior to others. I never understood why. My siblings and I were impacted, so was our mother, her family and many Aboriginal people and communities of the state, who suffered upon the removal of their children.

Through efforts to find answers, I found scientific research that identifies the first 1000 days of a child’s life — from pregnancy through to a child’s 2nd birthday a critical time for a person’s intellectual development and lifelong health. It is described as a period of enormous potential, but also enormous vulnerability. 

The serious effects of trauma on babies and children are now well known in Australia. Programs for parents and online information stresses the importance of seeking immediate attention and care. A specific program is also dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. 

What’s still missing? 

We know healthcare professionals are talking about the topic of trauma informed care — that’s a positive start, but many survivors still feel the reality falls short of the principles written into policy. 

Gaps still appear in small interactions. A healthcare professional being patient with you and not rushing can be the difference between feeling understood and supported or feeling disrespected and dismissed. 

Clear communication is essential. Survivors need to know what is happening and why, before it happens. Uncertainty can heighten stress, especially for people who associate institutional environments with the memory of their traumatic experiences.

Understanding of the health conditions more common amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people helps ensure treatment is appropriate. Healthcare that attempts to ensure appropriate treatment is provided helps to signal understanding and respect. 

Being recognised and remembered helps to build trust. My doctor and staff know who I am and are noticeably caring and respectful. I am reminded of my yearly 715 Health check and any follow-up care required. 

Many of us avoid healthcare altogether 

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare research shows Stolen Generations survivors experience poorer health, wellbeing and socio-economic outcomes than other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Despite these statistics, many survivors avoid healthcare due to fear of re-traumatisation. 

A single negative interaction can reinforce old memories. My memories of being hospitalised as a young child are reminders of incredible fear. Clinical settings can activate emotional memories built over time. This is why trauma‑informed care must be universal, not optional.   

Our people need to begin their journey of Healing — finding healthcare they can trust must be an integral part of that journey. 

My message is a simple one: you know where you feel safe, and where you don’t feel safe.

The Healing Foundation’s trauma-informed fact sheets, have been codesigned with survivors and sector partners, to support clinicians and frontline teams. They are free to download and can be shared across clinical and aged care networks.  

Aunty Yvonne Mills is a survivor of the Stolen Generations. She is a member of The Healing Foundation’s Stolen Generations Reference Group.