The Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma to the Children of Whistleblowers

Whistleblower families make sacrifices and suffer the victimization along with the employee. They give up socioeconomic status, live in fear of retaliation, worry about home security, but they do not always understand the nature of the whistleblowing and the prolonged court cases that are sometimes under seal. Children are aware of cyberbullies and doxing that means that they have to change their lifestyle and limit socialization. Family members can feel helpless, hopeless and ineffective. Often they are hospitalized and in treatment for depression and anxiety.