"All stories about an ordinary person who becomes the victim of abuse require extra sensitivity, because survivors of abuse – whether the abuse is physical, emotional or political – are usually survivors of a traumatic event. There are many kinds of traumatic events. A terrible car crash, an earthquake, and a war can all be traumatic events. In this guide, we will focus on trauma caused by violence – civil or political unrest, war, genocide, communal violence, domestic violence, and sexual violence. Experiencing a traumatic event affects survivors in many ways. Journalists should be aware of these effects because they will also affect how journalists can – and should – work. This guide will give working journalists concrete tools for understanding the effects of trauma and for conducting sensitive reporting and writing on trauma stories. It is written for group use and for self-study." (Page 2)