Total Credits: 1.25 including 1.0 Ethics CLE, 1.25 CLE
Studies and reviews of secondary trauma in the health and social work fields are common. A 2021 review of recent studies into the prevalence of vicarious trauma in the legal profession, however, show psychological distress is reported at rates higher in those in the legal profession than social workers, psychologists, and even prison and hospital staff. Vicarious trauma—caused by the frequent and ongoing exposure to the trauma suffered by others—affects attorneys and judges at high rates, impacting their professional and personal lives. This presentation will offer attendees a basic understanding of what vicarious trauma is, how to recognize it, how it can play into their work, and how to integrate self-care and resiliency into their everyday lives to mitigate its effects and avoid burnout. Attendees and presenters will also, as time allows, be able to discuss and problem-solve current issues affecting attendees’ current workplace.
| Materials (4.6 MB) | 19 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Amy Bocks is the Advocate Program Manager in the Attorney General’s Office of Victim Services. Amy is responsible for the management and leadership advocates providing direct services to crime victims in the investigation, trial, appellate and capital litigation phases of the justice system and the volunteer intern advocate program. As an advocate she has experience working with victims of violent and financial crimes, including the financial and physical abuse of the elderly and vulnerable adults. Amy is a NOVA-trained Crisis Responder, works on policy and legislation and has taught courses on victims’ rights, victimology and volunteer management.
Ryan Clark has dedicated his career to service, starting with the U.S. Army as an Infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division in 2008. He served in Afghanistan, earning the rank of Sergeant. After military service, Ryan pursued a bachelor’s in criminal justice while also working as a Texas police officer. Recognized as a regional officer of the year in 2018, he rose to patrol supervisor, accumulating over 5,000 hours of professional and course training through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. His experience spanned patrol operations, criminal investigations, and acting as chief of police. Shifting focus, Ryan entered law school at Mitchell Hamline School of Law in 2021, concurrently while leading a victim assistance program in Texas. Relocating to Phoenix in 2022, he joined the AZ Attorney General’s Office as the State Victims’ Rights Compliance Administrator, overseeing the Victims’ Rights Compliance Program, focusing on rights violation investigations and agency assistance.
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