Secondary trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, is a stress response that occurs when an individual is exposed to people who have been traumatized themselves, disturbing descriptions of traumatic events by a survivor, or others inflicting cruelty on one another. It is a common occupational hazard for professionals working with traumatized children, such as therapists, child welfare workers, case managers, and other helping professionals. Symptoms of secondary trauma are similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including intrusive re-experiencing of the traumatic material, avoidance of trauma triggers/emotions, negative changes in beliefs and feelings, and hyperarousal.

Secondary trauma can lead to compassion fatigue, which is a set of observable reactions to working with people who have been traumatized and mirrors the symptoms of PTSD. It can decrease staff functioning and create challenges in the working environment. Risk factors for developing secondary trauma include gender (females are at greater risk), mental health challenges prior to the event such as depression or anxiety, greater geographical proximity to the event, acquaintance with those killed, wounded, or affected in the event, insufficient social support networks, and difficulties with emotion regulation or stress management.

To manage and heal from secondary traumatic stress, individuals can take preventive and interventional strategies, such as seeking support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals, practicing self-care, and engaging in stress-reducing activities. Organizational prevention of vicarious trauma can also be implemented as part of an organizational risk-management policy or task force that recognizes the scope and consequences of the condition.