BACKGROUND
Candice a single woman in her 3O's, would awaken in a cold sweat after experiencing a vivid, recurrent nightmare of being assaulted at knife point. She would turn on all the lights and lie awake until the dawn broke.

After these nightmares, she reported feeling vulnerable and exposed. Over the subsequent weeks she experienced intrusive thoughts about knives and became fearful of being around knives.

APPARENT PSYCHIOLOGICAL HARM CONCERN
Candice is showing some of the cardinal signs and symptoms of the aftermath of a serious victimization. The nightmares, fearful thoughts, intrusive images, and suspicion of other people's motives are common among persons who have been victimized. However, Candice has NOT directly experienced a victimisation or catastrophe.

VICARIOUS TRAUMA
Candice is a skilled investigator at an insurance company. She spends a significant proportion of her professional time reading victim impact statements from trauma exposure. Although Candice is experienced in her field and has access to peers to discuss or review her cases, she is not immune to the painful images, thoughts, and feelings associated with exposure to others’ traumatic memories.