Holding Space for Storytelling

For many survivors, being able to share their stories is a form of reclamation, healing and advocacy. When a survivor shares their story, it is important we make space for them to share their experience in a way that feels right to them and allows them to be in full control. Here are five ways to hold space for survivors sharing their stories:

1. Prioritize confidentiality and consent – It is important to ensure survivors are fully aware of the scope and purpose, process and outcomes of sharing their stories. You can help them set boundaries on what they want to share, and provide them with the options to opt out, or modify their contributions anytime throughout the process.
2. Use trauma -& violence informed language – this framework acknowledges that survivors have undergone wide-ranging impacts of trauma and violence, and highlights the need to recognize signs of trauma, while actively working with the survivor to avoid re-traumatization. Using trauma -& violence informed language reflects our commitment to integrating awareness and responsiveness in the work we do.
3. Offer emotional and crisis support – The retelling of a survivor’s story can cause re-traumatization. As a listener, you can provide support by acknowledging their experiences were difficult and reassuring their bravery for taking control. You can also have a resource list ready, with crisis support from local or provincial providers with 24 hour access. 
4. Uphold a judgement free zone – Ensure you are practicing active and empathetic listening, without any judgement or interruptions. Validate their experiences using eye contact and body language, to reaffirm they are being heard and respected throughout the process.
5. Centre the storytellers’ voices & autonomy – When a survivor is sharing their story, it is essential to give them full control, respect and support on how and when their story is being shared. This approach shifts the power dynamics from researchers and institutions to the storytellers themselves.

Sources:

1. RAINN. (2025). Survivor storytelling 101.
2. Voice of Witness. (2025). VOW’s trauma-informed storytelling practices.
3. National Domestic Violence Hotline. (n.d.). Three ways to support domestic violence survivors.
4. Diab, J. L., & Al-Azzeh, D. (2024). Inclusive inquiry: a compassionate journey in trauma-informed qualitative research with GBV survivors from displaced communities. Frontiers in psychology, 15, 1399115.