The Coordination Unit against Violence against Women of the Government Delegation in Navarre has organized the second edition of a course on self-care and assistance to victims aimed at the National Police and Civil Guard. Taught by professionals from the Institute of Legal and Forensic Psychology (PSIMAE), a total of 40 agents of both bodies participate.
The objective of the course is twofold. On the one hand, to take care of the individual mental health of police officers, in a profession in which it is usual to have to face traumatic situations. On the other hand, to address examples of real cases in which agents can be immersed in order to be able to perform, thus, more affective interventions that reduce the risks of secondary victimization and result in a better service to citizens.
The course is divided into two blocks. The first one deals with prevention and self-care strategies to prevent police personnel from collapsing psychoemotionally and prevent “burnout” or “burnt worker syndrome.” Specific issues such as stress management, suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression, or grief management are addressed here.
The second module is aimed at managing emotions to carry out more effective interventions, for example, in crimes of gender violence and sexual violence. These are situations that can generate emotions in police officers such as anger or feelings of anger or helplessness in the face of the serious damage suffered by the victims. To manage them properly, we will review interventions in crisis situations - for example, communicating bad news to victims' relatives, managing search and rescue cases, intervention with minors or people with mental illness or psychological disability - and interventions with victims of violent crime.
Both modules will be developed through theoretical-practical sessions, reflection groups and simulation of police actions.