Results: Secondary Trauma

Secondary Trauma, also known as "Compassion Fatigue" is defined as "the stress resulting from helping or wanting to help a traumatized or suffering person". Have you ever heard of Secondary Trauma or Compassion Fatigue before this survey?

Those most at risk for secondary trauma include people in professions traditionally thought of as caring, such as nurses, teachers, counselors and social workers, but some in legal and law enforcement positions such as judges and even prison guards are also at increased risk. Do you or someone you know work or volunteer in a capacity that has a risk of secondary trauma?

If you or someone you know is at risk of secondary trauma, which of the following symptoms of trauma in general are you aware of?

Secondary trauma is a major cause of turnover in many professions with high risk factors, leading to increased costs in recruitment and training of new staff and a decreased continuity of care for those who are being aided, among other negative impacts. For these reasons, there are counselors who specialize in prevention and treatment of secondary trauma. If you or someone you know is at increased risk, would you be interested in prevention training or treatment options?