The Cost of Caring: Vicarious Trauma
Melissa Kaiser, LBSW | September 18 | 11:15 am-12:15 pm EDT
Topic: Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Beginner
Law enforcement, service providers, and medical responders experience sustained exposure to child maltreatment, sexual assaults, and human trafficking. The resulting effects can be devastating and include substance abuse, increased rates of suicide, marital distress, depression and anxiety, and decreased physical wellness. This presentation focuses on vicarious trauma and equips attendees with practical tools to assess and improve their well-being. Key topics include distinguishing vicarious trauma from secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, burnout, moral injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Through personal anecdotes and interactive discussions, participants will explore the profound impact of high-stress work environments not only on professional performance but also on personal lives, relationships, and home dynamics. The session emphasizes resilience-building strategies for self-care, aiming to reduce professional burnout, decrease turnover, and enhance overall wellness. By addressing these challenges, attendees will be better equipped to strengthen their personal relationships, maintain work-life balance, and provide high-quality support to the victims and communities they serve.
Presentation Objectives:
• Discuss the effects of high-stress environments on personal well-being, relationships, and workplace culture, differentiating vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and other occupational stress responses
• Present practical tools and strategies to encourage resilience, improve self-care practices, and mitigate the impact of trauma exposure in both professional and personal lives
• Discuss how to implement workplace cultural shifts that normalize discussions around vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue, reducing turnover while enhancing team collaboration, well-being, and the quality of victim services