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PART III: THEORY
When working with survivors of trauma and GBV, it is important to recognize the possible effects of vicarious traumatisation( sometimes called secondary trauma or compassion fatigue). The effects of vicarious trauma may be easier to detect in others than in yourself. If you are working in a team and detect these signals in your co-worker, sit down and talk about what can be done to relieve the situation. Here are the warning signs of secondary traumatisation:
• Wounded ideals.
• Cynicism.
• Feeling unappreciated or betrayed by the organization.
• Loss of spirit.
• Grandiose beliefs about his or her importance and role.
• Heroic but reckless behaviour.
• Neglecting one’ s own safety and physical needs( not taking breaks, not sleeping, etc.).
• Mistrusting colleagues and supervisors.
• Antisocial behaviour.
• Excessive tiredness.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Symptoms of illness or disease.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Inefficiency.
• Excessive use of substances, such as alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
Some simple advice on how to prepare and handle these warning signs:
• Acknowledge that your reactions are normal and unavoidable.
• Consciously try to relax.
• Talk to someone with whom you feel at ease.
• Express your feelings in ways other than talking: draw, paint, play music, pray.
• Listen to what people close to you say and think about what they tell you.
• Take care of yourself.
• Do exercise or yoga.
• Take a walk in the countryside.
• Do grounding exercises.
• See BASIC-Ph coping skills( page 130).