“Vicarious Victimization = Victimization!”: The Lived Experiences of Victim Service Providers and Criminal Justice Personnel

• In Event: Impacts of Victimization and Systemic Challenges

Abstract

This study examines the profound impact of vicarious victimization on professionals working in victim services and the criminal justice system, particularly those working with survivors of gender-based violence and sexual victimization. While traditionally considered an indirect experience, this research challenges that notion by demonstrating how repeated exposure to trauma can have direct emotional, psychological, and professional consequences. Using a survivor- and trauma-informed approach, the study employs in-depth interviews with victim advocates, law enforcement officers, and other criminal justice personnel to explore these effects. Findings reveal common themes such as compassion fatigue, burnout, and emotional exhaustion, with coping mechanisms varying across professions. Law enforcement officers reported relying on dark humor, whereas direct service providers emphasized peer support and active resilience-building strategies. The study underscores vicarious victimization as an occupational hazard and highlights the need for organizations to implement policies and support systems designed to address trauma exposure. By addressing these challenges, this research aims to promote the well-being and professional sustainability of those working on the front lines of victim services and the criminal justice system.

Author

• Kirstie Boyett, Lamar University