Secondary Trauma and the clergy.

Clergy are somewhat unique in that they are often at the front line of many trauma events in addition to being involved in the long term care and support for victims and survivors. Sometimes this can involve contact over periods of weeks, months and years. The impact upon these individuals as a result of undertaking this element of their pastoral ministry remains relatively unexplored and especially within the context of Northern Ireland. This presentation highlighted the impact upon 226 serving Irish clergy and discussed the salient issues of their training and support needs.