How Law Enforcement Families are impacted by Trauma
Law enforcement officers and their families often deal with the impact of traumatic experiences that come with the job. The effects can be overwhelming, leading to what is known as secondary traumatic stress. This not only affects officers but also spouses, children, and extended family. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for providing support and care to those affected.
Recognizing Secondary Traumatic Stress
Secondary traumatic stress occurs when individuals are affected by the trauma experienced by others. Recognizing signs and symptoms is crucial to offer support to those who are suffering. It’s not just about being aware of the direct trauma but also the indirect effects that can present in various ways. Symptoms may include changes in behavior, increased irritability, nightmares, hypervigilance, and invasive thoughts. These signs can indicate that an individual’s view of the world has been altered due to repeated exposure to traumatic events and is struggling with the aftermath of traumatic exposure.
“We’re traumatized by continuously seeing people at their worst and seeing the worst in the world that we start to experience the same type of trauma effects as the people we help.” Melissa Kaiser
Strategies for Counteracting the Impact of Secondary Trauma
It is important for law enforcement agencies to have an awareness of Secondary Traumatic Stress and the importance of implementing support systems. Simple acts like acknowledging each other’s work, introducing humor into the office, and providing access to counseling can make a significant difference. There are several strategies that can help mitigate the effects of secondary traumatic stress:
Workplace Support: Creating a supportive environment at work where acknowledgment and humor are part of the culture can go a long way. Regular check-ins by supervisors and open discussions about counseling services can normalize seeking help.
Workplace Initiatives: Encouraging leadership to model healthy behaviors and create policies that promote work-life balance is essential to normalize the conversation around Secondary Traumatic Stress.
Personal Accountability: Simple assessments can provide insight into your mental health status and the connection between mind and body stress.
Maintaining Hobbies: Engaging in activities outside of work can provide mental breaks and a sense of normalcy. Whether it’s playing sports or other hobbies, keeping active is beneficial.
Redefining Time: Analyzing day-to-day tasks and delegating or saying no to certain things can free up time for more critical personal activities.
Mutual Empathy: In relationships, mutual empathy is key. Understanding each other’s perspectives and challenges can encourage better communication and support within the family.
Discipline and Routine: Implementing disciplined routines around sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social interaction can prevent the onset of stress-related issues. Regular check-ins and seeking feedback from others can also help identify early warning signs.
Resources: Utilizing available tools such as relationship workbooks can provide structured support for individuals and couples navigating these challenges.
It’s critical to acknowledge that secondary traumatic stress is a normal human response to constant exposure to traumatic events. Normalizing conversations around it and implementing proactive measures can make a significant difference in managing its effects. For those in leadership roles, modeling self-care and promoting a supportive culture can inspire others to prioritize their well-being.
Remember, taking care of yourself and fostering a supportive environment at home and work is not a luxury but a necessity for the well-being of law enforcement and their families.
About Melissa Kaiser
Melissa is an independent consultant in the anti-human trafficking field. She was the first Human Trafficking Navigator hired for ND, and she was contracted with the ND Human Trafficking Task Force. Melissa was employed with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation as their first Victim/Witness Specialist and assisted in creating the integrated victim services and law enforcement program in ND. She has been a member
of the ND Human Trafficking Task Force since 2016, is currently the co-chair of the Lived Experience Subcommittee, and was the vice chair of the Labor Trafficking Subcommittee for six years. Melissa has trained over 12,000 professionals and students on the topics of trafficking, creating multi-disciplinary teams, person-centered and trauma-informed approaches, and vicarious trauma.
For further resources or personalized assistance, Melissa Kaiser can be reached via email at melkaiconsulting@gmail.com or through LinkedIn: Melissa Kaiser.
