From www.cbp.com.au: Investigation trauma refers to the emotional distress experienced by employees during workplace investigations, particularly in high-stakes environments like education and care, where a blame-focused approach can create a culture of fear.

A shift toward a restorative just culture, emphasizing systemic issues rather than individual fault, is recommended to foster open communication and continuous improvement.

Employers are urged to implement practices that support mental health, such as empathetic training for investigators and providing emotional support for affected workers.