Providing care to promote the wellbeing of the professionals who support survivors

Understanding key issues faced by trauma professionals and practitioners who support survivors’ healing

Secondary trauma (also referred to as vicarious trauma) describes significant experiences of distress resulting from extended empathetic engagement with the trauma and suffering of others. For professionals who work with survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, this type of engagement is a fundamental part of their working lives. The effects of secondary trauma are a common, though not inevitable, reality for such professionals, including first responders, trauma and crisis response workers, legal practitioners and law enforcement, and mental and behavioral health practitioners.

In order to serve survivors, it is necessary to support and care for those responsible for their paths to healing, justice and wellbeing. Therefore, we must have a strong understanding of secondary trauma, its related effects and conditions and ways to move through it healthily and safely.

As part of our mission to transform society’s response to abuse and violence, and to prioritize every survivors’ healing, we offer resources and support to help trauma professionals manage the effects of the work they do.

Recognizing the signs of secondary trauma and related conditions

Secondary trauma is an umbrella term that describes several related concepts and the effects of exposure to this type of trauma.

Understanding these concepts and being aware of the signs and potential impacts of secondary trauma can help healing and justice practitioners, as well as the people in their lives, seek and access necessary care and support.