"People such as lawyers and counselors who work with traumatized victims over a period of time, what I call relationship workers, can develop 'vicarious trauma," said Andrew P. Levin, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, speaking to attorneys and support personal at a workshop, sponsored by the Domestic Violence Committee of the State Bar of Michigan titled "When Caring Hurts, avoiding burnout when working with traumatized clients."

Vicarious trauma (VT) is "a process through which a lawyer or social worker is" affected by the constant immersion in the problems of others. Such exposure changes "our frame of reference and has a sensory and psychological impact. It affects us on a personal level and a physical level; we don't feel as safe, such as maybe your partner in life is more dangerous than you thought," he said speaking from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids. The event, held in May, was simulcast to Cooley's Lansing and Auburn Hills campus.

"Those suffering from VT describe it as, 'I became hard, detached, and numb. Instead of compassionate, I was passionate, over-reactive, and sanctimonious. I couldn't sleep. My family told me I was grouchy and needed a rest. I find it impossible to shut it off when I go out the door.'"

Criminal defense attorneys, prosecutors, family law lawyers, and judges are most at risk...