Using georeferenced photo-elicitation projects to understand survivor resources: a method for trauma-informed practice in higher education

Abstract

Objective

This research examined the use of georeferenced photo-elicitation projects in conducting “assets inventories” of on-campus resources for students who have been the victims of violence. Participants: A pilot study was conducted with 27 undergraduate students at a small, Hispanic-serving, Catholic, liberal arts university. Methods: Students participated in a photo-elicitation project, submitting geotagged digital photographs of on-campus resources for victims of violence. Results: Thematic and spatial analyses revealed both place-based and person-based resources, some of which were not previously recognized by administrators. Mapping of resources showed areas of concentration and potential areas for future development. Assets were unique to the university studied, grounded both in its culture and history. Conclusions: GIS-based photo-elicitation research is useful for assessing current and potential trauma-informed on-campus resources. The pilot study is replicable on other campuses, allowing administrators to better understand how student needs are uniquely defined, currently being met, or can be better met.

Keywords:

• Geographical information systems
• photo-elicitation
• trauma-informed
• victim support
• violence

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Our Lady of the Lake University.

Additional information

Funding

This article was funded by Flashman Foundation Grant.