Fast Facts: 6 Commons Signs of Vicarious Trauma
Indirect trauma changes a person’s inner worldview as a result of bonding with a victim (even one you have never met) over his or her traumatic experience. This could negatively distort a person’s worldview, convincing them to believe that people will all behave badly, or criminal activity is a default, or significant violent incidents are inevitable. It could be a result of secondary trauma—where the effect is immediate in response to a single event—or vicarious trauma, which builds up gradually.
The path to indirect trauma is rarely linear, but sometimes a particular incident strikes a chord that makes it easier to empathize and relate with a victim (such as if the victim looks like your grandma or if a child the same age as yours is injured), potentially causing a spontaneous reaction.
So, what are some of the signs that you or a team member are experiencing the effects of vicarious or indirect trauma?
SponsoredRapid Gunshot Response in Campus SecurityRead this article to learn about new technologies and best practices that can help prepare and protect campuses from the potential threat of an active shooter. |