Support Systems
Just because you aren’t the direct survivor, doesn’t mean you aren’t affected.
Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence need community and support to start healing and reclaiming their voice following the trauma. That’s where you come in. It isn’t easy, it isn’t clear. but the way you respond to them could set up their entire healing journey. This section will take you through some ways to begin supporting the survivor, and how to navigate any vicarious trauma that may come up in the process.
How to…
Support
There isn’t a “How-To” book on how to deal with trauma, both direct and vicarious. Every survivor and every story is different, so the way they react will also vary. This lists some ways to start supporting them, and how to navigate the healing process.
heal
Vicarious trauma is REAL. This is the phenomenon where a person close to a survivor (or social workers) will experience anxiety, feelings of helplessness, depression, etc. while helping someone move through their healing process. Here are some ways you can take care of yourself, so you can continue to help them.