Secondary Trauma and the Management of Sex Offenders

Section 3:Recognizing Secondary

Trauma in the Management of Sex Offenders

Section 3 2

Aspects of Secondary Trauma

Secondary trauma has three different types of aspects: The qualitative aspects refer to the “sheer impact”

of being exposed to the deviance, manipulation, and pain associated with working with sex offenders and their victims.

The severity and length of exposure to trauma refers to factors such as the size of your caseload and the number of years you have been working with these offenders.

The contextual aspects are the characteristics, experiences, and vulnerabilities that we bring to this work from our own personal histories.

(Pullen, 1999)

Section 3 3

Qualitative Aspect/Nature of the Work

Managing sex offenders in the community may lead you to : Question your own beliefs about human

nature; Become more concerned about safety –

for yourselves and your families; and Have difficulties in your personal and

intimate relationships, retreating emotionally and /or sometimes physically.

Section 3 4

Severity and Length of Exposure

Some research suggests that the longer and more severe your exposure to trauma, the greater the likelihood that you will experience secondary trauma.

(Brady, Buy, Poelstra, & Browkaw, 1999; Chrestman, 1999; Pullen, 1999; Pearlman & Mac Ian, 1995; Rich, 1997; Steed &

Bicknell, 2001)

Section 3 5

Severity and Length of Exposure—Research Findings

A 2003 study of judges found: 63% of judges reported one or more symptoms

they identified as work-related secondary trauma, including sleep disturbances, intolerance of others, physical complaints, depression, and a sense of isolation; and

Judges who had seven or more years of experience reported experiencing more of these symptoms compared to judges who had six or less years of experience on the bench.

(Jaffe, Crooks, Dunford-Jackson, & Town, 2003)

Section 3 6

Severity and Length of Exposure—Research Findings (Continued)

Another study found that the majority of judges perceived sex offense cases as being more difficult than other types of cases from three different perspectives: 63% of judges perceived sex offense cases as

more difficult than other cases from a legal or technical perspective;

88% from a public scrutiny or pressure perspective; and

88% from a personal or emotional perspective.

(Bumby & Maddox, 1999)

Section 3 7

Contextual Variables

Some of your personal experiences and characteristics can make you more vulnerable to trauma, including: Not establishing and maintaining clear

boundaries; Having experienced some type of

victimization yourself; and Being empathetic.

(Saakvitne & Pearlman, 1996)

Section 3 8

Top 10 Hints That You May Be Suffering From Secondary Trauma

10.Your career in sex offender management is more than five minutes long!

11.When you see a man with a child in his shopping cart at Super Wal-mart, your first reaction is to contact the store manager and alert law enforcement.

Section 3 9

Top 10 Hints (Continued)

8. When you meet someone new and they ask you what you do for a living, you fib or are very vague, and respond in one of these ways:

“I sell insurance.” “Oh, I just work in an office with a lot of

paper, some desks, and a few computers.”

“I’m between jobs right now.” “I don’t remember.”

Section 3 10

7. When your favorite TV shows are: Cops Law and Order Law and Order, Special Victim Unit Law and Order, Criminal Intent Law and Order, Trail by Jury CSI: Miami CSI: New York Bow Flex Infomercial at 3:00 a.m.

Top 10 Hints (Continued)

Section 3 11

Top 10 Hints (Continued)

6. When your idea of a “leisurely,” “relaxing,” and “easy” weekend is filling out violation reports at your kitchen table.

7. When you go to Sam’s Club or Costco because they are the only places that sell pain killers and antacids in 1,000 count jars.

Section 3 12

Top 10 Hints (Continued)

4. When everyone who comes through your front door has to go through security screening.

5. When you have background checks run on all of your acquaintances—old and new!

6. When you have no acquaintances!

Section 3 13

Top 10 Hints (Continued)

1. When you start getting holiday cards and large quantities of free merchandise (e.g., beach towels, duffle bags, coolers, BBQ grills, clothing, sample products, etc.) from your friends:

The Marlboro Man Bud Weiser The Burger King Ty Lenol

Mae Lox Java Joe Ben Gay Ronald McDonald

Section 3 14

Psychological Indicators of Secondary Trauma

Anger Sadness Depression Anxiety Fear

Mistrust of others

Imbalance between work and personal life

Paranoia

Section 3 15

Physiological Indicators of Secondary Trauma

Mild to Moderate Symptoms Headaches Heartburn Gastrointestinal problems Skin rash/hives Lower immunity High blood pressure

Section 3 16

Physiological Indicators of Secondary Trauma (Continued)

Extreme Symptoms Migraines Gastric ulcers Colitis (gastrointestinal disorder) Eczema Heart attack Stroke