2026/02/01 by Bo (Rachel) Kim, Harry J. Dent, Nichola Tyler +1 · 1 voice
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Child Abuse and Trauma #Criminal Justice and Corrections Analysis #Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending
paper · doi:10.1080/13218719.2025.2599129
openalex publication_date 2026/02/01 · openalex created_date 2026/02/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
This study qualitatively examines factors which exacerbate and alleviate experiences of vicarious trauma (VT) in New Zealand Crown prosecutors. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 New Zealand Crown prosecutors. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants perceived personal and work-based protective factors (e.g. safe and supportive work environment, the rewarding nature of the role, engaging in self-care) alleviated experiences of VT, while occupational stressors (e.g. pressures of the role, workplace culture, perception of injustice) and a lack of education, training, and support exacerbated VT. Findings suggest a lack of acceptance or acknowledgment of the emotional and occupational demands of engaging with potentially traumatic material (PTM) in the legal profession creates a barrier to effective management of VT symptoms and individual wellbeing. The need for improved education surrounding the practical realities of working as a criminal lawyer and greater availability of formalised support from peers and professionals is discussed.