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Bunmi Bloom, co-founder of Sena Forensics, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the emotional reality of working in digital forensics and the psychological toll of long-term exposure to traumatic material. Drawing on her background with the Metropolitan Police and the Financial Conduct Authority, Bunmi reflects on how DFIR practitioners navigate disturbing images, case reports, and the pressure to "stay strong and get on with it."

The conversation explores coping mechanisms inside the lab, the vital role of social support, and how desensitisation can develop over time. Bunmi shares why many investigators feel unable to speak openly, how team culture shapes resilience, and what better preparation for new DFIs could look like. She also considers whether psychological screening, mentoring, and leadership-driven change could help create safer, more supportive forensic workplaces.

#digitalforensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Policing #CSAM

00:00 Introducing Bunmi Bloom

00:39 Sena Forensics: Mission and Services

03:44 Professional Background

05:35 The Impactful LinkedIn Post

07:50 Emotional Challenges in Digital Forensics

10:55 Coping Mechanisms and Social Support

15:20 Desensitization and Emotional Detachment

18:39 Preparation and Support for New DFIs

22:56 The Importance of Recognizing Stressors

25:16 The Role of Social Support

28:27 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Awareness

31:53 Psychological Screening in Recruitment

38:53 Systemic Change and Leadership

41:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

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🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/preparing-investigators-for-trauma-exposure-in-digital-forensics/

📝 Show Notes

Sena Forensics on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sena-forensics-bunmi-bloom-76a592374/

Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey

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