This chapter examines the role of social support as a critical protective factor in the aftermath of trauma and adversity. It argues that a deprivation of support—particularly in the peri-trauma period—undermines recovery and further increases the risk of justice involvement. Drawing on empirical research, it explores how betrayal trauma, institutional distrust and social exclusion, compound harm, especially for those who are already vulnerable. The chapter proposes that social support enables ‘meaning making’, which is vital for psychological recovery and resilience. The justice-involved population is shown to have significantly less access to supportive relationships, contributing to cycles of harm. Ultimately, this chapter reframes social support, not merely as a buffering variable, but as a central component in both trauma recovery and violence prevention.