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Workplace trauma on the social housing and homelessness frontline

Author

Listed:
  • Betterham, Deborah
  • Barnes, Emma
  • Hartley, Chris
  • Flanagan, Kathleen
  • Veeroja, Piret
  • Robinson, Catherine
  • Mackelprang, Jessica L.

Abstract

This research explores workplace trauma in Australia’s social housing and homelessness services – including its extent, causes and impacts. It examines current practices to address this trauma, options to mitigate it, and guiding principles for response. People working in the housing and homelessness sector are exposed to significant trauma due to their role as service providers of last resort for individuals with complex needs. A national survey of frontline staff reveals almost universal exposure to workplace aggression and tenant and client distress. There is a need to understand how to minimise workplace trauma and create safer environments for frontline staff.

Suggested Citation

  • Betterham, Deborah & Barnes, Emma & Hartley, Chris & Flanagan, Kathleen & Veeroja, Piret & Robinson, Catherine & Mackelprang, Jessica L., 2026. "Workplace trauma on the social housing and homelessness frontline," SocArXiv 4hqmf_v1, Center for Open Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:osf:socarx:4hqmf_v1
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/4hqmf_v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alan Morris & Catherine Robinson & Jan Idle & David Lilley, 2024. "Ideal bureaucracy? The application and assessment process for social housing in three Australian states," International Journal of Housing Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(2), pages 224-245, April.
    2. James, Amity & Dunlop, Patrick Damien & Gilbert, Catherine & Gagné, Marylène & Parsell, Cameron & Cawthray, Jenna & Farid, Hawa Muhammad, 2023. "Investigative panel into building and retaining an effective homelessness sector workforce," SocArXiv hj68w, Center for Open Science.
    3. repec:osf:socarx:hj68w_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Fiona Cocker & Nerida Joss, 2016. "Compassion Fatigue among Healthcare, Emergency and Community Service Workers: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-18, June.
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