Session

As instructors and researchers in the fields of criminal justice and victimology, we engage students in coursework and applied research that exposes them to traumatic experiences and violence. We prepare them for experiential learning opportunities and careers in the helping professions. Our students eventually work with clients from vulnerable and marginalized populations who have significant lived experience with trauma. We must make early efforts to mitigate the effects of vicarious trauma, burnout, compassion fatigue, and PTSD through education and awareness and help equip them with the tools needed for long-term success. This panel session will introduce trauma-informed approaches and strategies used to foster vicarious resilience, while centring the lived experience of trauma survivors. In this self-moderated panel, Diana will use her expertise as Principal Investigator of the Victimology Research Centre to discuss how the principles of trauma-informed research protect both researchers and participants; Aaron will share how he prepares students for work in helping professions by encouraging students to maintain trauma-informed and victim-centred approaches; Avery will speak to the importance of human impact research and its contribution to the empowerment of participants and researchers; and one student will share their experiences and perspective. Our work addresses the following SDGs: 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (by preparing students for success in important and respected roles), and 10: Reduced Inequalities, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (by focusing on topics related to equity, inclusion, sustainability, victim/survivor experiences accessing support, evidence-based crime prevention, and community resilience).