Vicarious Trauma Training

Course Overview:

Judges and court staff make difficult decisions every day that shape the lives of individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. This work is essential, but the emotional toll can be significant. Repeated exposure to traumatic cases can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and vicarious trauma, making it harder to stay engaged and effective over time.

This new 2-hour training is designed specifically to benefit the court community including judges, clerks, and staff with domestic violence caseloads. This module explores how burnout and compassion fatigue develop and offers tools to mitigate their effects. A key focus is on compassion satisfaction; the sense of fulfillment that comes from positively impacting the lives of others. Research shows that strengthening this sense of purpose helps protect against vicarious trauma and sustain long-term well-being. By reinforcing the value of the judiciary’s role and offering practical ways to maintain resilience, this training supports those who dedicate themselves to delivering justice in the face of difficult circumstances.

Please contact the Institute for Trauma & Resilience Studies at ITRS-Pathways@fsu.edu - 850-645-0024