Video playback, affective witnessing, and the mobility of trauma: Video evidence of violent crime in the criminal justice system

"I can't unsee the things I've seen": Exploring Police Prosecutors' Experiences of Engaging with Potentially Traumatic Materials

“…In recent years, trauma exposure has arguably increased for those working within the criminal courts, with technological advances and a greater accessibility of recording devices resulting in high quality video and audio becoming the preferred modes of evidence (Birze et al, 2023). The changing landscape of court proceedings has heightened the intensity of PTM exposure for court professionals and the associated wellbeing impacts (Birze, Regehr, & Regehr, 2022bKimpel, 2021).…”

“…The changing landscape of court proceedings has heightened the intensity of PTM exposure for court professionals and the associated wellbeing impacts (Birze, Regehr, & Regehr, 2022bKimpel, 2021). Whilst repeated exposure to this video evidence is considered necessary for those working in the CJS, research has noted the enduring adverse impacts it has on professionals' physical and emotional wellbeing, including VT symptoms (Birze et al, 2023;Birze, Regehr, & Regehr, 2022b). Given the changing nature of PTM exposure with the rise of technology within the court process and the known wellbeing impacts of recurrent PTM exposure, it is pertinent to understand how we can better support legal and criminal justice professionals working in the criminal courts.…”