Guidebook On Vicarious Trauma

Recommended solutions for anti-violence workers

Plot

Vicarious trauma is the result of a transformation of a therapist's or helper's inner experience as a result of empathetic engagement with survivors of traumatic experiences. This guidebook is written for individuals who work with abused women, children, and their abusers, and attempts to recognize the unique experiences of anti-violence workers and to promote solutions to support those affected by vicarious trauma. After an introduction that includes definitions of vicarious trauma, part 2 reviews the personal impact of & factors contributing to vicarious trauma and presents individual solutions to address the problem. Part 3 discusses equity issues in anti-violence organizations along with solutions related to Aboriginals, Francophones, disabled persons, and homosexuals or bisexuals. The final part sets forth organizational responses to the effects of working with abused persons & abusers. Topics covered in this part include feminist philosophy, social justice, organizational structure, staffing, supervision, and resources.