This resource is from the “Strategies for Connecting with Survivors Involved with Legal Proceedings” Toolkit.
This scenario addresses the challenge of legal advocates and lawyers experiencing frustration and anger when working with domestic violence (DV) survivors, particularly when survivors express demanding behaviors or blame. It offers a trauma-informed perspective, explaining that a survivor’s anger may stem from being in a safe space to express emotions, or from the ongoing effects of abuse. Crucially, the tipsheet highlights the impact of this work on advocates, discussing concepts like burnout, counter-transference, and secondary/vicarious trauma (including links to PTSD and depression symptoms in attorneys). It then provides practical “reflective practice techniques” for advocates to maintain their well-being and effectiveness. These techniques include regularly reflecting on individual interactions, setting specific goals for difficult cases, identifying what interferes with their work, and employing strategies like setting boundaries, seeking supervision, and using self-calming methods to foster greater compassion and improve outcomes for survivors.