BEARING WITNESS TO TRAUMA: EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES FACED BY POLICE OFFICERS WORKING WITH SURVIVORS OF WOMEN ABUSE IN BENGALURU
Police officers investigating cases of violence against women occupy a critical position in the criminal justice system. As first responders and investigators, they frequently encounter survivors who have experienced severe physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse. While extensive research has focused on the trauma experienced by survivors, limited attention has been given to the emotional and psychological impact on police personnel who engage with such cases daily. This article explores the emotional challenges faced by police officers working with survivors of women abuse in Bengaluru. Drawing upon existing literature on secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, occupational stress, and trauma-informed policing, the paper examines the psychological burden associated with repeated exposure to traumatic narratives and distressing incidents. The study highlights emotional exhaustion, burnout, empathy fatigue, role conflict, and organizational challenges experienced by police professionals. It further discusses coping strategies and institutional mechanisms that can strengthen resilience among officers. The findings emphasize the need for psychological support systems, trauma-informed training, and organizational reforms to promote officer well-being while ensuring effective survivor-centered policing.
Yohannan, B. (2026). Bearing Witness to Trauma: Emotional Challenges Faced by Police Officers Working with Survivors of Women Abuse in Bengaluru. International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, 02(05). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i5.602
Yohannan, Bindya. "Bearing Witness to Trauma: Emotional Challenges Faced by Police Officers Working with Survivors of Women Abuse in Bengaluru." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, vol. 02, no. 05, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i5.602.
Yohannan, Bindya. "Bearing Witness to Trauma: Emotional Challenges Faced by Police Officers Working with Survivors of Women Abuse in Bengaluru." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology 02, no. 05 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i5.602.
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