Examining the Service Provider: Challenges (and Successes) in Assisting Victims of Violence and the Need for Self-Care

Frieze, Irene Hanson; Newhill, Christina E.; Fusco, Rachel A.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-42608-8_10

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 66 publications

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“…This strategy not only enhances their intervention capabilities but also nurtures their overall wellbeing within the work environment. This finding was echoed in various studies involving helping professionals, underlining the significance of continuous professional development in equipping workers with the necessary tools to effectively navigate the complex and emotionally demanding nature of their roles (Frieze et al 2020;Norrman Harling et al 2020;Salloum et al 2015). Although participants in our study did not explicitly mention supervision as a coping strategy, other studies have addressed its importance in promoting professionals' general well-being (Melvin 2012;Mette et al 2020;Norrman Harling et al 2020;Salloum et al 2015;Wood et al 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 56%

“…During their assistance to victims, professionals confront a range of challenges, as evidenced by qualitative studies. These challenges include a high caseload, bureaucratic barriers, the social legitimization of DV, insufficient organizational resources, staff burnout, and inadequate training (Frieze et al 2020;Kulkarni et al 2013). Moreover, DV workers grapple with the task of addressing the diverse needs of DV victims (Sullivan and Goodman 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Understanding the Emotional Impact and Coping Strategies of Professionals Working with Domestic Violence Victims

Ferreira,

Figueiredo,

Santos

2023

Social Sciences

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Domestic violence (DV) remains a significant public health concern and a violation of human rights. The complex challenges faced by professionals who directly engage DV victims, combined with their consistent exposure to distressing narratives, have the potential to significantly impact the well-being of these practitioners. This, in turn, can directly influence the quality of the support they provide to victims. The present study aims to explore the psychological impact of working with DV victims on these professionals while simultaneously investigating the coping mechanisms they employ. Twenty-four professionals from DV victim support in Portugal participated in this qualitative research. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study unveils that this line of work can indeed be profoundly impactful, potentially resulting in adverse outcomes such as fatigue, emotional exhaustion, frustration, and difficulties in emotional regulation. Nonetheless, the research also reveals that professionals are capable of developing coping strategies to mitigate the negative impact of their work. This study proposes a set of suggested measures that should not only be adopted by professionals but should also be smoothly incorporated into the strategies of organizations committed to supporting DV victims. Ultimately, by bolstering the welfare of DV professionals, this research strives to enhance the quality of support extended to victims and provide meaningful input for informed policymaking, improved practices, and effective training approaches.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 56%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding the Emotional Impact and Coping Strategies of Professionals Working with Domestic Violence Victims

Ferreira,

Figueiredo,

Santos

2023

Social Sciences

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“…Studies appoint that this care for cases of violence mobilizes a range of emotions (Souza & Cintra, 2018). Among professionals involved in care for cases of violence indicated that respondents perceived their work as exhausting and experienced many doubts, feelings of helplessness, sadness, anxiety, distrust, frustration, discouragement, stress and fear in the cases treated (Frieze et al, 2020;Vieira & Hasse, 2016). One of the emerging psychosocial risks in care for victims of violence is secondary traumatic stress disorder.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The invisibility of women caring for women victims of violence

2022

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The objective of this study was to describe the working conditions of professionals who work in centers providing assistance to women victims of violence, to investigate the experience of female workers in caring for women victims of violence and to analyze the self-care practices of this professional group at the personal, professional, collective and institutional levels. Data were collected through the application of an interview script to 12 professionals who assist victims of violence against women in different care centers for this public in Aracaju and the interior of Sergipe. The five classes generated by the Descending Hierarchical Classification (DHC), generated by the Iramuteq analysis, pointed out five themes: care for women victims of violence, conflicts, violence and professional practice, authors of practice of aggression, personal self-care and handling obstacles in the work environment. In view of the results found, the strengthening of the public policy system is appointed as one of the pillars that reconfigure this reality.

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Unveiling the Narratives of Portuguese Professionals Engaged with Domestic Violence Victims: Persistent Challenges and Novel COVID-19 Impacts

Ferreira,

Sofia Figueiredo,

Santos

2024

J Interpers Violence

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Domestic violence remains a complex and challenging issue, particularly for professionals engaged in providing support to victims. The occurrence of emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, further exacerbates the difficulties faced by these practitioners. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of professionals working with domestic violence victims, with a specific focus on the primary challenges encountered during interventions. It also aims to identify key guidelines that could enhance their practices. Twenty-four professionals from the domestic violence victim support in Portugal participated in this qualitative research. Through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the study identified a range of challenges professionals confront in their intervention efforts. These challenges encompassed various aspects of the intervention process, vulnerabilities observed in victims, and the existing support system. Furthermore, the study uncovered specific challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside these challenges, the research highlighted a set of recommendations designed to refine intervention strategies and promote better professional adaptation. The findings underscore the array of challenges that professionals grapple with, impacting both their strategies for intervention and their overall well-being. Thus, the development of effective intervention methodologies for professionals and organizations emerges as a crucial endeavor, essential for assisting domestic violence victims in their daily lives and enhancing preparedness for potential future crises.

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Examining the Service Provider: Challenges (and Successes) in Assisting Victims of Violence and the Need for Self-Care

Cited by 5 publications

References 66 publications

Understanding the Emotional Impact and Coping Strategies of Professionals Working with Domestic Violence Victims

Understanding the Emotional Impact and Coping Strategies of Professionals Working with Domestic Violence Victims

The invisibility of women caring for women victims of violence

Unveiling the Narratives of Portuguese Professionals Engaged with Domestic Violence Victims: Persistent Challenges and Novel COVID-19 Impacts

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