Victorian emergency services workers, particularly police officers, are suffering psychiatric distress and injury as a result of the traumatic circumstances they encounter whilst doing their job. In Victoria alone, two police officers have committed suicide in the past week, with a spokeswoman for Victoria Police conceding that they are aware that, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress can be triggered by stressful situations our people find themselves in. The concession comes soon after the recent announcement that Victoria Police Minister Wade Noonan would take three months leave to deal with the unspeakable crimes he had been exposed to during his time in the portfolio. Statistics indicate that approximately one third of WorkCover claims lodged by Victorian police members related to psychiatric injury and distress. These figures do not take into account those members who are afraid of admitting they are suffering psychologically, and are concerned that acknowledging they are not coping will hinder their career prospects. If you are suffering psychologically as a result of workplace trauma, you can seek assistance from WorkCover. This assistance can be in the form of counselling sessions, medical expenses, and lost earnings if you require time off work. You do not have to prove that your injury is permanent or that your employer was at fault for you to access these benefits. However, you do have to show that your psychological injury arose predominately out of or in the course of employment. If you or someone you know is suffering psychologically as a result of their work, we invite you to speak with one of our expert injury lawyers on (03) 9321 9988.