Experiences and effects of vicarious traumatisation on those who work with troubled young women and girls: stage 1

Young women and girls in the justice system are widely considered to have experienced high levels of victimisation and trauma. As a result of close work with those who are profoundly traumatised, service providers may experience vicarious traumatisation (VT). There have been some studies of VT in therapeutic interactions in a general population, but no research on VT in relation to those working with young women and girls in the justice system. 

This study aims to provide a preliminary understanding of how a process of VT may manifest in the personal and professional spheres of those working with this group, as well as seeking to understand how VT can impinge upon the efficacy of staff efforts to help their clients.