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Fortem Australia is launching a new webinar to help emergency service workers, their families, clinicians and support networks better understand moral injury and its impact on psychological wellbeing.
The free online session, Moral Injury: Understanding the Invisible Wounds of Service, will be held on Monday 24 August and will explore how moral injury can arise when experiences conflict with a person’s deeply held values, sense of responsibility or trust in others.
Although moral injury is often discussed alongside trauma, it is different to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Rather than being driven primarily by fear, moral injury is more commonly linked to feelings such as guilt, shame, anger, grief or betrayal. It can occur after situations where someone feels they were unable to act in line with their values, or where they experienced a perceived failure by systems, leadership or others around them.
Fortem’s clinical lead for mental health and programs, Marnie Donovan said recognising moral injury is an important step in helping first responders understand their experiences and seek support when they need it.
‘Emergency service workers enter their professions because they care deeply about helping others. When they’re faced with situations that challenge their values or leave them questioning decisions made in impossible circumstances, the emotional impact can stay with them long after the incident has ended,’ Marnie said.
Designed for the emergency services sector, the webinar will cover the causes and signs of moral injury, how it differs from PTSD, and practical strategies to support recovery. Participants will also be introduced to values-based approaches, communication techniques, and resources to support ongoing learning.
The session is suitable for first responders, family members, peer support officers, supervisors, clinicians and anyone who supports those working within the emergency services sector.
Through education and early intervention, Fortem Australia aims to build awareness of moral distress, support more informed conversations, and ensure first responders and their families have access to practical information before challenges become overwhelming.
‘Moral injury is not a sign of weakness. It’s a very human response to experiences that conflict with what matters most to us. By understanding what moral injury is, we can reduce stigma, encourage meaningful conversations and help people access support earlier’ says Marnie.
The webinar will be delivered online on Monday 24 August from 3:00pm–4:00pm AEST and is free to attend.