Resilience in community: An introspection into domestic violence and sexual assault agencies to understand how organizational components can build wellbeing among staff members.
Key Findings
- Service providers in the LGBTQIA+ community, those that are younger, and those with less experience in the field may be at an increased risk for secondary traumatic stress and burnout.
- Advocates and leadership were not aware of specific policy or procedure to support the secondary trauma that can arise when working with survivors.
- Service providers shared a need for more inclusive decision-making from leadership, time for team building and more mental health support, including promotion of healthy coping strategies.
- Diversity within a team was viewed as a strength for the workforce as well as the survivors receiving services.
- There is a need for increased psychological safety, bolstering anti-oppressive organizational dynamics.
Study Overview
Service providers of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) agencies are particularly at-risk to occupational empathy-based stress. There is limited research in how DV and SA service providers perceive organizational structure and culture regarding their well-being. This study was conducted in the Pacific region of the U.S. and consisted of two phases. In Phase I, a quantitative Qualtrics survey questionnaire was distributed to direct and indirect service providers of DV and SA agencies (N=50). Phase II entailed in-depth qualitative interviews with participants (N=16). Quantitative data revealed that age, work experience and training emerged to be key protective factors for occupational empathy-based stress. Findings also demonstrated that being in the LGBTQIA+ community was associated with greater risk for secondary traumatic stress and burnout. Qualitative in-depth interviews revealed inequitable access to supervision, a need for more inclusive leadership decision making, and more diversity in agency staff. Service providers identified the need for quality supervision, increased psychological safety with leadership, and adequate pay. These findings demonstrate the importance of organizational structure and culture, as well as psychological climate in promoting the well-being of DV and SA service providers.
Conclusion
More support is needed from organizations to address occupational empathy-based stress. Future research can help address organizational culture and structure as it relates to secondary trauma and burnout in DV and SA agencies, particularly for populations like the LGBTQIA+ community and young advocates with less experience that may be more prone to occupational empathy-based stress
About the Researchers
Abbey Holmes, CSW is an advocate and therapist for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with research interests in organizational dynamics and employee well-being. Dr. Cecilia Mengo is a leader in research examining the persistent social problem of violence against women and its impact on women’s health and well-being. Dr. Lois Stepney has over 10 years of experience supporting the mental and emotional wellbeing of medical staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in a clinical role, and has been involved in research related to professional wellbeing topics. Contact information: holmes.1033@osu.edu
