Bench & Body Series:
Be Kind to Self. A Judicial Officer’s Guide to Navigating Vicarious Trauma
Master Sydelle Johnson
“Breathe in. Breathe out. You’ve got this!”
Justice Angelica Teelucksingh, Territory of the Virgin Islands
Introduction
As judicial officers, we continually navigate the emotional landscape of courtroom dynamics, be it in the family, civil, criminal or the children divisions. Each court takes a distinct but very real emotional toll. The question arises, how should we address the vicarious trauma which results from the emotional toll, such navigation places on judicial officers?
This article examines the concept of vicarious trauma, including the particular effects on women judges. It then highlights ways in which judicial officers can engage in kindness practices to reduce and manage its effects. Drawing on the insights from the Nauru Declaration, the advice from Dr. Karli Okeson and Hon. Justice Peter Jamadar of the CCJ, this article provides a structured approach for judicial officers to identify, address, and mitigate vicarious trauma.
What is Vicarious Trauma?
Vicarious trauma (VT) refers to the cumulative emotional impact on professionals who are regularly exposed to the traumatic experiences of others[1]. Unlike direct trauma, vicarious trauma is the indirect consequence of consistently bearing witness to distressing cases, which can deeply affect a judicial officer’s mental and emotional well-being[2]. In family, children, criminal and sexual offences courts, judicial officers often encounter sensitive cases involving abuse and trauma, making them particularly susceptible to VT.
The Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-being, as adopted on the 25th July, 2024, acknowledged “that the physical and mental well-being of judges is crucial for promoting competence and due diligence, as acknowledged in paragraph 194 of the Commentary on the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct”. The Nauru Declaration highlighted “the importance of addressing judicial stress and the necessity of providing appropriate support”.
Women Judges and VT
Female judicial officers may face unique challenges in dealing with vicarious trauma if they have past personal experiences of domestic or sexual violence. Exposure to similar cases can potentially trigger emotional responses, adding to the stress load. Dr. Okeson advises that creating safe spaces for judicial officers to discuss those experiences is crucial. Institutions could offer trauma-informed counselling, as well as programs specifically aimed at supporting women in the judiciary who may face these layered challenges. Peer support networks that understand the dual role of professional duty and personal resilience can be highly effective.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Managing VT
Judicial officers can benefit from a structured and proactive approach to managing VT. Drawing on Dr. Karli Okeson’s session on secondary trauma[3], as well as Justice Peter Jamadar’s article on achieving work-life balance[4], the following steps offer a practical guide for the promotion of judicial well-being:
Step 1: Recognition
The first step is to acknowledge the signs and symptoms of VT. Indicators may include emotional exhaustion, detachment, irritability, or even a sense of hopelessness. Dr. Okeson emphasizes the importance of regular self-assessment to monitor for such signs. Justice Jamadar underscores that recognizing trauma signs early is essential for preventing deeper psychological impact. It will allow judicial officers to take early action to preserve their well-being.
Step 2: Reflection and Boundaries
Developing healthy emotional boundaries is essential. Judicial officers can create mental “checkpoints” to maintain a professional distance and prevent over-identification with the traumatic narratives they hear. Justice Jamadar suggests that work-life balance is fundamental to effective boundary-setting; he encourages judicial officers to integrate personal time and family life as non-negotiable components of their routines, allowing them to recharge and return to their work with clarity and resilience.
Step 3: Support Systems
Establishing peer networks, mentorship, and access to counselling services is vital. A supportive community allows judicial officers to share experiences and gain insights, easing the emotional burden. Justice Jamadar advocates for wellness programs that include workshops on mental health, stress reduction techniques, and peer-to-peer support networks. These programs foster a sense of community and ensure judicial officers feel supported in navigating their work challenges.
Step 4: Professional Wellness Practices
Incorporating stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, and periodic breaks, can help sustain resilience. Justice Jamadar highlights the importance of adopting regular wellness practices to prevent burnout, suggesting techniques like time-blocking to avoid overwhelming workloads. By creating space for regular breaks, judicial officers can maintain their focus, energy, and ability to serve effectively. Dr. Okeson also encourages integrating these practices into daily routines to foster long-term mental wellness.
Step 5: Technology as a Stress-reducing Tool
Automated Transcription Services- Automated transcription reduces the time spent on manual note-taking, allowing judicial officers to focus on case substance rather than administrative tasks.
AI-Powered Legal Research-AI tools can analyse transcriptions and organize and link case facts to relevant legal precedents. This approach minimizes the time spent on research while enhancing accuracy.
Draft Judgment Creation-Technology capable of generating draft judgments for routine matters frees up time for judicial officers to concentrate on more complex, nuanced cases. This added efficiency contributes to a lighter workload, reducing stress and helping to prevent burnout.
Step 6: Institutional Support
Progressive Judiciaries now recognize that Judicial well-being is a key component of competence. It is important for Judiciaries to recognize where work carries inherent risks of VT and implement practices and policies which promote the well-being of their Judicial Officers.
Conclusion
Through a structured approach that includes recognition, support, and proactive kindness practices with institutional backing, female judicial officers can mitigate the effects of VT.
Master Sydelle Johnson is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Women Judges and sits in the Family Court of Trinidad and Tobago.
[1] According to Dr. Karli Okeson:- Vicarious trauma includes compassion Fatigue; Secondary Traumatic Stress; Second Victim Syndrome; Burnout
[2] Dr. Karli Okeson explains that vicarious trauma can take the form of experiencing too much (Secondary Traumatic Stress); too little (compassion fatigue and burnout) and too close (second victim syndrome and trigger)
[3] National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ’s) Monday Morning Moments: Managing Secondary Trauma with Dr. Karli Okeson:- “Compassion Can Come Easy” Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine. https://vimeo.com/1022939510/adc2700afb.
[4] Justice Peter Jamadar on Judicial Wellness for Judicial Officers: Achieving work-life balance: Challenges, impacts and solutions.