NCJ Number
228088
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 24 Issue: 7 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 507-515
Date Published
October 2009
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined the specific implications of working with victims of family violence on therapists in terms of secondary traumatization, vicarious traumatization, and growth.
Abstract
In examining a group of social workers employed in the field of family violence and a group of social workers who were not employed in the field of family violence, the two groups did not differ significantly in levels of secondary traumatization. However, significant differences were found in levels of growth and levels of positive and negative changes that the participants experienced in themselves, their lives, and their families. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the perspective of therapists who work with trauma victims, including family violence therapists. In that context, emphasis has been placed on issues related to the unique implications of working in the field of family violence for the therapist, as well as on the changes that take place in the therapists themselves, their lives, and the lives of their families as a result. Utilizing a qualitative design, this study examined the specific implications of working with victims of family violence on therapists in terms of secondary traumatization, vicarious traumatization, and growth. The study was conducted through comparison of two groups of participants, where each group had different levels of exposure to work in the field of family violence. Tables, figures, and references