Understanding the Impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress on Crimes Against Children Investigators

Abstract

This study examined the impact of secondary traumatic stress on personnel who work on investigations of crimes against children. An online survey was deployed via Qualtrics to investigators and forensic interviewers of child advocacy centers examining their experiences from the initial incident to the sentencing of the perpetrator. Prior studies have shown that exposures to intimate details of crimes against children have placed secondary stress on the investigators and interviewers. The survey was administered to investigators and interviewers of child crime victims in Johnson County regarding their experiences with work stress, and stress in their personal lives resulting from their involvement in these investigations. The research examined indicators of Secondary Traumatic Stress and coping mechanism of investigators and interviewers involved in crimes against children investigations. Findings indicated a statistically significant negative association between having unintended thoughts about the victim and alcohol use. Findings will be used to broaden the understanding of STS and coping mechanisms among law enforcement personnel and to identify potential risks and protective factors for investigators of crimes against children. The survey was conducted over a two-week period and the study period ended on March 15, 2017.