What Hinders? What Helps?
What are some of the aggravating factors that we should be thinking about?
- Unanticipated exposure – lack of mental preparation
- Up-close, very graphic or real-time images
- Poor understanding by others at work – colleagues or leaders
- Perceived inadequate or detrimental law enforcement/authority responses to certain cases
- Similarity of victims to people you care about
- Unresolved trauma – personal or job-related
Now, and equally important to understand, are protective factors:
- Taking a broader view – that you are doing all you can to help restore safety, security, justice
- Good pacing and self-care routines
- Emotional awareness, willingness to accept support and work with your own limitations
- Leaders and peers who are aware and supportive
- Identifiable pathways to get additional support if needed