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When our response to all trauma is to call the police…

“When our response to all trauma is to call the police, then that gets us into a cycle of perpetuating trauma. Mental health trauma is different from somebody breaking into a store. Those are not the same things, and our response has to be different.” quote by Deray McKesson
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“When our response to all trauma is to call the police, then that gets us into a cycle of perpetuating trauma. Mental health trauma is different from somebody breaking into a store. Those are not the same things, and our response has to be different.”

Deray McKesson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Treating trauma with law‑enforcement responses perpetuates harm; mental‑health crises require distinct, compassionate interventions.

In simple terms: Different responses for different trauma

Key Takeaway

Tailor response to trauma type

Themes

Trauma Mental health Justice Compassion

Mood

Urgent Empathetic

Type

Social justice quote Advocacy quote

When to use this quote

  • Policy debate
  • Community forum
  • Therapeutic training

Key Concepts

Systemic response Crisis intervention

Practical Applications

  • Advocacy
  • Crisis protocol design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can systems differentiate trauma types?
  • What alternatives exist to policing for mental health crises?
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