Keepers of Trauma: Rape Victim Advocates’ Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Coping Techniques

This qualitative research explores rape victim advocates’ secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, and coping strategies. Data reveal that the hardest parts of advocates’ work include feeling like they cannot help survivors, hearing survivors’ stories, and seeing the failings of the CJ and legal s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Maier, Shana L. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2024
In: Violence against women
Year: 2024, Volume: 30, Issue: 14, Pages: 3751-3775
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Keywords:
#MeToo
Burnout
SECONDARY traumatic stress
Victim advocates
Sexual Victimization
Description
Summary:This qualitative research explores rape victim advocates’ secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, and coping strategies. Data reveal that the hardest parts of advocates’ work include feeling like they cannot help survivors, hearing survivors’ stories, and seeing the failings of the CJ and legal systems. Most advocates (81%) experience STS, evident in emotional and behavioral responses. Most advocates (71%) confirm that #MeToo and coverage of sexual violence in the news, social media, or television contribute to their STS. Fewer advocates (34%) experience burnout, which is attributed to workload. Advocates cope by reaching out to others (colleagues, friends, and family) and exercising.
ISSN:1552-8448
DOI:10.1177/10778012231182414