ABSTRACT

Exposure to the pain, suffering, and traumatic experiences of others can lead to PTSD and related reactions. These reactions have been described as vicarious traumatization. They often manifest in changes in systems of meaning, a lack of trust in others, a disruption of the individual’s self-protective beliefs about safety, control, and predictability. In particular, studies of police officers investigating serious, violent offences, particularly those involving children (e.g., child abuse, neglect, child sexual abuse) have also suggested that these groups are at risk of developing traumatic stress symptoms as highlighted above. Usually individuals working in such situations often develop coping strategies in order to function effectively while engaged in such challenging tasks. Often many

attempt to disengage emotionally in order to remain objective. However, there is constant exposure to viewing images of abuse and violence such as video clips of torture and beheadings, which have often been found on the computers of those involved in terrorism or attempting to radicalize others.