Imagine scrolling through your social media feed and seeing a heartbreaking video frequently. It shows Ta’Kiya Young, a 21-year-old pregnant Black woman, shot at point-blank range by the Police in Ohio on September 1, 2023. How do you feel? How do you cope with such a horrifying sight? And how do you focus on your work when this tragedy dominates your thoughts?

The shooting of Ta’Kiya Young is part of a larger pattern of police violence against people of colour. It is not new; it has been a persistent and pervasive problem in the USA and worldwide for decades. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, between 2013 and 2020, US police officers killed at least 1,066 Black people, accounting for 24% of all fatal police shootings, despite Black people making up only 13% of the US population. The report also found that police officers rarely face criminal charges or disciplinary actions for killing Black people, creating a culture of impunity and injustice. Employers must become aware of how it traumatises employees, negatively impacting their mental and physical health. And employers need to support traumatised employees, enhancing productivity, engagement, and the company’s reputation. So in this article, I’d like to argue that employers have both a moral and legal obligation to support employees traumatised by police violence and suggest practical ways they can do just that.

The Trauma of Witnessing Injustice

Watching the news or scrolling through social media and seeing images of the police gunning down a Black woman and her unborn daughter can be profoundly traumatising. It is a stark reminder of the systemic racism and brutality against people of colour. It is a chilling testament to the fact that, despite the progress made in the fight for racial equality, much work still needs to be done.

The trauma we feel is real, even when thousands of miles removed from the actual event. It is a collective trauma that stems from witnessing the gross violation of human rights and the utter disregard for human life. This trauma can manifest as feelings of despair, anger, and frustration. As a Black woman residing in the UK, I am deeply affected by this tragedy, overwhelmed by outrage, sorrow, and fear. It can also evoke impotence and ineffectiveness as we contemplate as individuals what we can do to address this issue or when it might be us or our family.

Police Violence and Brutality

State-sanctioned police violence distresses and traumatises people of colour. It is authorised or supported by institutions and legal systems to safeguard people’s rights and well-being. According to a study by Bor et al. (2018), witnessing police killings can increase the risk of mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts among Black Americans by up to 14%. These mental health problems can also affect physical health, including increased blood pressure, heart rate, inflammation, and the risk of chronic diseases.

Several factors make police violence uniquely traumatic:

Pervasive Presence: Law enforcement is everywhere, making it hard to avoid, especially in low-income communities of colour. This constant presence can create persistent fear and anxiety for those who have had negative encounters with the police or witnessed power abuses.

Unpredictability: Police violence is unpredictable and uncontrollable, capable of occurring anytime, anywhere, and for any reason, regardless of the victim’s behaviour or compliance. This unpredictability can leave people feeling helpless and hopeless about their immediate circumstances and future.

Intergenerational and Historical Roots: Police violence is deeply rooted in a long history of oppression and discrimination against Black individuals and other communities of colour. This can trigger collective trauma, and historical wounds passed down through generations.

Stigmatisation and Silence: Police violence is often stigmatised and silenced, frequently denied or justified by authorities, the media, and the public. This can make individuals feel isolated, invalidated, and ashamed of their experiences and emotions.

All these factors contribute to various mental health issues, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts, as well as adverse physical health effects.

What Employers Can Do

Employers are pivotal in providing support, resources, and opportunities for their traumatised employees to heal and take action. Here are several ways employers can actively engage in this process:

Acknowledge and Support: Employers can start by acknowledging the impact of trauma and racism on their employees’ well-being and performance. Provide employees with a safe space and time to express their feelings and needs without fear of judgment or retaliation. Offer resources and benefits for employees’ mental health, such as counselling services, wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and paid leave.

Educating Managers and Leaders: Employers must also educate managers and leaders on recognising and responding to signs of trauma and distress among their employees. Please provide them with training and tools to communicate empathetically, provide feedback sensitively, and offer accommodations appropriately.

Foster a Culture of Inclusion and Belonging: Employers can foster a culture of belonging and solidarity among employees. Encourage employees to share their stories and perspectives, actively listen and show respect to one another, and provide mutual support. Celebrate diversity and inclusion in the workplace year-round through events, initiatives, and recognition.

Take Action Against Racism and Injustice: Employers can actively combat racism and injustice within their organisations and society. Implement policies and practices that promote equity and accountability. Speak out against discrimination and violence. Collaborate with organisations advocating for social change.

Conclusion

Police violence against people of colour is a global problem that traumatises millions. Employers have a moral and legal responsibility to support their employees affected by this trauma. They can do this by providing mental health resources, fostering a culture of solidarity, and taking action against racism and injustice. I hope this article has raised your awareness and inspired you to speak up and take action. I urge employers to implement these suggestions immediately. Together, we can make a difference.