Community Resources

Georgia Crime Victims Compensation

Survivors of domestic violence-related crimes often face a long emotionally and physically painful road to recovery. In the aftermath of a devastating crime that has taken or nearly taken a loved one, expenses can quickly pile up. If you have been a victim of crime or if you have lost a family member to a violent crime, you may be eligible for the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. Please click here for more information.

Secondary Trauma

Survivors are not the only people affected by trauma. On a daily basis, advocates and other helping professionals listen to sad, emotional and tragic stories. The emotionally taxing nature of this work results in responders internalizing the feelings and emotions of those they are working with and developing trauma reactions in a process commonly referred to as vicarious trauma or secondary trauma.

These trauma reactions can inhibit on advocate’s ability to support survivors in a compassionate and empathetic way. Some of the warning signs of secondary trauma can include anger and cynicism, disbelief or mistrust of survivors, victim blaming, diminished creativity in addressing problems, emotional numbness and feeling hopeless or helpless.

The impact of secondary trauma on advocates and others can be minimized by utilizing a trauma-informed approach when setting organizational policies and incorporating these principles into the ways in which organizations support and supervise employees. The process of becoming trauma-informed is one that requires a comprehensive look at the organization as a whole- from structure, to policies, down to programming and specific practices. The principles of trauma-informed care are universal but the applications are different for particular groups. While we are focusing here on domestic violence advocates, any service provider or agency can become trauma-informed.

For More Information on secondary trauma, visit:
The National Center on Domestic Violence Trauma and Mental Health
The Joyful Heart Foundation