Domestic Violence Workers: Effects of Repeated Exposure to Trauma
Abstract
In contrast to research on domestic violence victims, this article encapsulates the perspective of several professionals who work with victims of domestic violence (DV) by examining how their repeated exposure to hearing traumatic domestic events impacts their personal and professional lives. Data stems from qualitative in-depth interviews, which reveal diverse work experiences traversing the roles associated with the justice system; domestic violence lawyer, volunteer court advocate, certified domestic violence advocate, probation officer, first responder counselor, and police social worker. Secondary Stress and Vicarious Traumatization symptoms were examined. Four themes emerged that portray: compassion, coping, job demands and physical symptom--the difficulties of interacting with victims of domestic violence.