In our recent study, What We Take Home With Us, Published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence my co-author Elizabeth Bosky and I explored a topic rarely discussed, how working in domestic and sexual violence impacts providers' romantic and sexual lives.

We spoke with professionals who support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and found:

• 89% reported their work affected their romantic relationships

• 72% reported changes in their sexual lives

Key themes included:

Personal: low desire, relationship avoidance, shifting views of men, parenting concerns, and self-doubt

Professional: lack of training, limited support, and uncertainty about where to seek help

This research highlights a critical but overlooked aspect of vicarious trauma. We hope it encourages open dialogue and stronger, trauma-informed support for providers doing this vital work.

To read the full article, contact me at JonnaGreenMSW@gmail.com.

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