Confronting Vicarious Trauma

Description: Literature summary and discussion of key themes related to vicarious trauma.

Topics include:

Section one: Definitions
Some of the commonly used terms (e.g. vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, burnout) and the various definitions used in the literature on the subject.

Section two: Effects and impacts on workers
Some of the ways trauma can impact on workers’ lives, and some signs to look out for.

Section three: Caring practices
Steps can be taken to prioritise worker well-being and long term commitment in doing such important work.

Section four: Ethical dimensions and pain
An alternative or complementary framework for understanding these responses, which highlights the ethical dimensions of working in the face of injustice. This ‘second’ framework arises out of a concern with a limited individualistic and psychologically focused ‘vicarious trauma’ models, and instead invites workers to understand distress as an ethically founded response to the context of the work and the lives of people we engage with.


What's the evidence base for this resource: While intended to be accessible to workers in the field, this resource does include a reasonably thorough amount of referencing to credible research and academic literature.

 

Potential uses and limitations Offers a variety of perspectives, from clinical to ethics-centred, to generate discussion and reflection. There are some general suggestions regarding supportive organisational practices, as well as personal self-care practices. Some of the infographics at the end are not particularly useful or relevant. Is a relatively lengthy read, although sections can be read individually.


Where it comes from: Australian based website livingwell.org.au which provides support and information to men who have experienced sexual abuse.

This resource is tagged with the following. Clicking on a tag will direct you to all resources with that tag

Management and Supervision Staff Health and Wellness