Recognising vicarious trauma in research: the experiences of researchers who work with victimisation data and the support they need.

Abstract

Background: The vicarious trauma people who provide direct clinical care may experience is well documented. However, there is limited information about the vicarious trauma that researchers working with victim-survivors of domestic and family violence (DFV) or victimisation-related data may experience.

Aim: To describe and reflect on the vicarious trauma experienced by people researching DFV who have repeatedly been exposed to significant, traumatic data.

Discussion: Reflections were sourced from three researchers who were studying DFV victim-survivors' stories of trauma. Their work often left them feeling distressed and helpless. Crucial self-care strategies included taking regular breaks and debriefing co-researchers.

Conclusion: It is essential to monitor, prepare for and provide appropriate supervision and trauma-informed support to manage and address the vicarious trauma that researchers who work with sensitive and distressing data and vulnerable populations commonly experience.

Implications for practice: Researchers need to consider during the conceptual phases of their studies possible risks to their psychological safety. Furthermore, research institutions have a responsibility to support researchers' mental well-being and promote safe research practices. Ethics committees may need to ensure prior to granting ethical approval that researchers have developed and implement strategies to prevent psychological harm to themselves.