Sarah O'Neill

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This research compares and contrasts a selective review of literature pertaining to development workers working to address GBV, with case studies with returned development workers (N=2) who have experiences in the field addressing GBV. The review focused on mental health, occupational stress, traumatic experiences and working with GBV, among development workers and related populations. There was a limited amount of research available, much of which was identified treats development workers as implementers of policy, there has been little focuses on the experiences of workers on assignments to establish evidence based screening, training and support. Research has established that development workers can be considered a group at risk of developing psychological distress as a result of their work, the focus now must be how to support and prepare them for their work, to limit the risk of negative consequences.

The case studies used that Critical Incidents Technique to identify skills; characteristics and abilities development workers have found useful achieving their goals of work in the filed. It is hoped this information could inform employee screening, pre-deployment training, and support on assignment and upon return. Results of the case studies show procedural skills were exclusively identified by participants.