Work that revolves around domestic violence involves a risk of compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress are terms describing a phenomenon where the client’s difficult and traumatic experiences are transferred to the employee or the work community, causing mental strain for employees. Compassion fatigue may affect both work and private life.
Protective factors for employees include:
- clear, up-to-date guidelines in the organisation
- support from the work community and supervisor
- access to professional supervision
- debriefing sessions
- occupational health care services
- safe working environments
- good working practices, such as working in pairs in challenging situations
- a trauma-informed approach
- meaningful activities outside work that help detach from work
- good personal relationships.
Encountering domestic violence at work can evoke many different emotions. For example, you may feel confused, angry, sad, scared, or anxious. You may also find your emotions highly conflicting. For example, you may feel frustrated when clients sometimes take steps backwards, as breaking free from violence can be a long, multi-stage process.
As a professional, it is important that you:
- Reflect on your own relationship and attitude toward domestic violence
- Consider what impact your background and experiences have on encountering domestic violence
