Title: What is Vicarious Trauma? | What is Vicarious Trauma? | OVC
Headings: What is Vicarious Trauma?
What is Vicarious Trauma?
What Happens to Those Exposed to Vicarious Trauma?
Who Is at Risk of Being Affected by Vicarious Trauma?
What Are Some Common Negative Reactions to Vicarious Trauma?
Suggestions for Coworkers
Suggestions for Supervisors
Suggestions for Family Members
For More Information About Vicarious Trauma
Education and Awareness
Featured Tools
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Prevalence and Risk Factors
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Impact
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Content: avoiding work and interactions with clients or constituents; and
a combination of symptoms that comprise a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Suggestions for Coworkers
If you believe a coworker might be experiencing negative reactions to vicarious trauma, consider—
reaching out and talking to them individually about the impact of the work; helping them establish a consistent work-to-home transition that creates an important boundary and safe place outside the workplace; encouraging them to attend to the basics—sleep, healthy eating, hygiene, and exercise; supporting connections with family, friends, and coworkers; referring them to organizational supports such as a peer support team, employee assistance program, or chaplain; and
encouraging them to discuss their experience with their supervisor. Suggestions for Supervisors
The VTT includes a number of suggestions for supervisors of individuals who may be experiencing vicarious trauma, including—
discussing vicarious trauma as part of supervision; allowing flexible work schedules, recognizing the need for and protecting down time, while staying attuned to the possibility of withdrawal or isolation;