3 research outputs found
Staļ¬ experiences of working in a Sexual Assault Referral Centre: the impacts and emotional tolls of working with traumatised people
This study considers the impacts on staļ¬ of supporting people who have reported sexual violence and attend a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). This paper focuses on the staļ¬ās perspectives of the stresses and emotional tolls they experience including the coping mechanisms they utilise. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with 12 staļ¬, and a focus group was held with a further four staļ¬ of a SARC. The data were examined using thematic analysis. Findings indicated that staļ¬ experienced positive emotions connected to the meaningfulness of the work and team spirit as well as a range of unpleasant emotions. Staļ¬ also reported emotional numbing, in connection to the speciļ¬city, volume and sometimes unpredictable nature of the work. Coping mechanisms used by staļ¬ focused on the supportive connection to family, nature, and other team members; the value of clinical supervision; and the avoidance of topics related to work