Vicarious Resilience in Canadian Victim Service Providers

What is it about?

This study aims to investigate the vicarious resilience of Canadian victim service providers (VSPs) and the factors that contribute to their wellness at work. A mixed-methods approach will be used, including an online survey, virtual focus groups, and semi-structured in-depth interviews. The study will explore job satisfaction, compassion fatigue, turnover intention, workplace microaggressions, vicarious resilience, coping strategies, and self-care among VSP participants. The findings will contribute to the literature on themes related to the wellness of VSPs and provide a Canadian perspective on organizational wellness, including challenges encountered due to COVID-19.

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Why is it important?

This research is important for several reasons: Addressing a Gap in Literature: The proposed study aims to fill the gap in Canadian victim services sector research, providing valuable insights into the work of victim service providers (VSPs) and their wellness at work. Understanding Vicarious Resilience: It explores the concept of vicarious resilience, a positive adaptation that can result from working with trauma victims, which has not been extensively studied in the context of Canadian victim services. Improving Support for VSPs: By identifying factors that contribute to VSPs' well-being, this research can help improve support for these professionals and the volunteers who provide trauma care to victims and survivors of crime in Canada. Enhancing Practice and Training: The findings from this study will help inform the development of sector-specific toolkits and training materials, ultimately enhancing the practice and training of VSPs in Canada. Key Takeaways: 1. The study aims to investigate the vicarious resilience of Canadian victim service providers and the challenges they face. 2. The research will explore job satisfaction, compassion fatigue, turnover intention, instances of workplace microaggressions, and coping strategies and self-care practices of VSP participants. 3. The study will contribute to the literature on themes related to the wellness of VSPs and provide a Canadian perspective on organizational wellness, including challenges encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic. 4. The findings will help inform the development of sector-specific toolkits and training materials to enhance the practice and training of VSPs in Canada.