All in a Day's Work: Understanding the Impact of Disturbing Images and Disclosures in Child Exploitation and Torture Cases
In the field of child maltreatment, investigative, legal, medical and mental health personnel and advocates are surrounded by trauma. As professionals, we want to provide compassionate support and assistance to children and families; yet, at the same time, we know that we, too, have boundaries and limitations. It is our caring nature that makes us vulnerable when witnessing the pain and trauma of children and families. This workshop will address the effects of working with and responding to children who have witnessed and experienced violence, the effects of working with the people whose loved ones have been violated in the most intimate ways, and methods to reduce the risks of vicarious trauma and burnout.