Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Domestic Violence Advocates: Workplace Risk and Protective Factors

Description (article abstract): This study identified workplace factors associated with secondary traumatic stress (STS) in a sample of 148 domestic violence advocates working in diverse settings. Findings indicate that co-worker support and quality clinical supervision are critical to emotional well-being and that an environment in which there is shared power—that is, respect for diversity, mutuality, and consensual decision making—provides better protection for advocates than more traditional, hierarchical organizational models. Furthermore, shared power emerged as the only workplace variable to significantly predict STS above and beyond individual factors. The discussion includes implications for practice and policy as well as directions for future research.

https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801209347469


What's the evidence base for this resource:
Published in peer reviewed academic journal.

Potential uses and limitations:
Discusses the importance of worker empowerment as a key protective factor. Could be a useful discussion starter where workers report severe lack of control and power in the workplace.

Where it comes from:
Slattery, S. M., & Goodman, L. A. (2009). Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Domestic Violence Advocates: Workplace Risk and Protective Factors. Violence Against Women, 15(11), 1358–1379. 


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Employee Empowerment and Work Environment Management and Supervision