Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care

Supporting survivors means holding space for difficult stories, and over time, that work can quietly take a toll. Vicarious trauma can show up in subtle ways at first, then grow into exhaustion, irritability, or emotional numbness if it goes unrecognized.

This Justice Clearinghouse webinar will explore how vicarious trauma develops, how to notice early warning signs, and what to do when the work starts to feel heavier than usual. Participants will learn practical strategies for maintaining emotional well-being, setting healthy boundaries, and building resilience through self-care and supportive workplace practices. This session offers tools to help advocates stay grounded, sustain compassion, and continue doing this work in a healthy, effective way.