Managing emotions and occupational demands: A phenomenological exploration of the experiences of child exploitation support workers.

This article focuses on the lived experiences of child exploitation support workers (CESWs) employed by a third-sector organization (TSO) in England, exploring how they manage emotional labour, perceive risks to personal safety, and experience autonomous working. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of interviews with eight female CESWs, the study identified three main themes: the emotional costs and rewards of regulating feelings in their role, the dual nature of autonomy as both empowering and isolating, and shared perceptions of vulnerability to risks, especially when working alone or transporting children. Findings reveal that CESWs face emotional exhaustion, risk habituation, and loneliness similar to those in the regulated social care workforce, highlighting the need for integrated safety measures and supportive policies to enhance their well-being and workplace safety. This research underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing third-sector workers within child protection frameworks and calls for systemic improvements to address their unique challenges.