On-Site Training

Many domestic violence advocates are themselves survivors.  This lived experience can be a profound source of empathy, credibility and hope for clients - but it can also bring unique challenges.  Survivor advocates may navigate emotional triggers, over-identification with clients, complex boundaries around disclosure, ongoing personal safety concerns, and the dual impact of trauma and advocacy work.

 

This six-part webinar series provides a supportive skill-building space for survivor advocates to explore these realities, build resilience, and deepen the joy and sustainability of their work. Each session will blend education, reflection, and peer connection.

 

 

Each session will be 90 minutes, virtual via Zoom.

 This training is designed to provide new advocates and domestic violence program staff the basic principles of working with victims of domestic violence.  A variety of topics are addressed including:

• Dynamics of domestic violence

• Barriers faced by victims

• Cultural humility

• Lethality indicators

• Safety planning

• Crisis intervention and crisis line work

• Advocacy foundations such as empowerment, ethics and confidentiality

This interactive training is provided by GCADV staff utilizing lecture, small group activities, role-plays, audiovisuals, and exciting discussion. The training is an excellent opportunity for new advocates to gain a thorough understanding of domestic violence advocacy or for experienced advocates looking for a “refresher” on core knowledge and skills.  

This training provides an in-depth overview of human trafficking with a specific focus on its intersection with domestic violence. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of human trafficking, including legal definitions and core elements, while examining how power and control dynamics commonly present in relationships where one partner uses violence can contribute to human trafficking. The session will define human trafficking and the concepts of force, fraud, and coercion, and will address common myths that often prevent accurate identification of trafficking situations, especially within the context of intimate partner violence.  Participants will also learn of  services available to survivors of human trafficking. 

By the end of this virtual training session participants will have:

 

This multi-session training series focuses on strengthening support for survivors’ mental health and well-being within domestic violence programs and shelters. Advocates bring deep compassion, skill, and insight to their work with survivors; this series builds on those strengths to enhance confidence and capacity in responding to mental health needs.

Many advocates are navigating increasing mental health concerns among survivors while also balancing the emotional demands of this work. This series offers a space to deepen understanding, strengthen practical skills, and promote both survivor and advocate well-being through empathy, reflection, and connection.

Together, we will explore the intersections of domestic violence and mental health, and the impacts on everyone involved. Advocates will gain tools for having safe conversations about mental health, fostering emotional safety, expanding support networks, responding effectively in stressful situations, and connecting survivors with mental health resources (if/when available and desired by a survivor). The series also introduces simple mind-body-spirit techniques for grounding and sustaining well-being. Through interactive scenarios and discussions, advocates will enhance their ability to respond with compassion, communicate effectively, and support the survivor in front of them while caring for themselves and one another along the way.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training series, advocates will be able to:

●      Recognize the impacts of domestic violence on mental health and well-being for both survivors and advocates.

●      Strengthen self-awareness, reflection, and emotional safety as foundations for trauma-informed support.

●      Apply practical tools for safe, empathetic conversations about mental health and for connecting survivors to supportive resources.

 

Additional Details

Session 1: Us and Us: Emotional Safety (2 hours)

●      This session explores the impacts of domestic violence on survivors’ mental health and well-being, as well as on advocates themselves. Advocates will explore how emotional safety, self-awareness, reflection, and organizational support provide the foundations for effective support.

●      Key Resources and Tools:

○       Guide for Emotional Support

○       Mind-Body-Spirit Practices (Wildflower Path Toolkit, if published)

Many domestic violence advocates are themselves survivors.  This lived experience can be a profound source of empathy, credibility and hope for clients - but it can also bring unique challenges.  Survivor advocates may navigate emotional triggers, over-identification with clients, complex boundaries around disclosure, ongoing personal safety concerns, and the dual impact of trauma and advocacy work.

 

This six-part webinar series provides a supportive skill-building space for survivor advocates to explore these realities, build resilience, and deepen the joy and sustainability of their work. Each session will blend education, reflection, and peer connection.

 

 

Each session will be 90 minutes, virtual via Zoom.

This multi-session training series focuses on strengthening support for survivors’ mental health and well-being within domestic violence programs and shelters. Advocates bring deep compassion, skill, and insight to their work with survivors; this series builds on those strengths to enhance confidence and capacity in responding to mental health needs.

Many advocates are navigating increasing mental health concerns among survivors while also balancing the emotional demands of this work. This series offers a space to deepen understanding, strengthen practical skills, and promote both survivor and advocate well-being through empathy, reflection, and connection.

Together, we will explore the intersections of domestic violence and mental health, and the impacts on everyone involved. Advocates will gain tools for having safe conversations about mental health, fostering emotional safety, expanding support networks, responding effectively in stressful situations, and connecting survivors with mental health resources (if/when available and desired by a survivor). The series also introduces simple mind-body-spirit techniques for grounding and sustaining well-being. Through interactive scenarios and discussions, advocates will enhance their ability to respond with compassion, communicate effectively, and support the survivor in front of them while caring for themselves and one another along the way.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training series, advocates will be able to:

●      Recognize the impacts of domestic violence on mental health and well-being for both survivors and advocates.

●      Strengthen self-awareness, reflection, and emotional safety as foundations for trauma-informed support.

●      Apply practical tools for safe, empathetic conversations about mental health and for connecting survivors to supportive resources.

 

Session 2: Reclaiming Power (2 hours)

●      Participants will learn to prepare for and offer support in collaboration with mental health and community resources. This session focuses on practicing safe conversations, safety planning, connecting survivors to any desired resources, and offering support to help them stay connected.

●      Key Resources and Tools:

○       Tipsheet: Locating Mental Health Support Resources

○       Tipsheet: Collaborating with Mental Health Support Resources

○       Mental Health Coercion Palm Card for Advocates

○       Tipsheet series: Increasing Access to Mental Health or Substance Use Resources: Preparation, Planning, and Staying Connected

○       Guide: Do I Want to See a Therapist? A Reflection Tool for Survivors Seeking Mental Health Support

This multi-session training series focuses on strengthening support for survivors’ mental health and well-being within domestic violence programs and shelters. Advocates bring deep compassion, skill, and insight to their work with survivors; this series builds on those strengths to enhance confidence and capacity in responding to mental health needs.

Many advocates are navigating increasing mental health concerns among survivors while also balancing the emotional demands of this work. This series offers a space to deepen understanding, strengthen practical skills, and promote both survivor and advocate well-being through empathy, reflection, and connection.

Together, we will explore the intersections of domestic violence and mental health, and the impacts on everyone involved. Advocates will gain tools for having safe conversations about mental health, fostering emotional safety, expanding support networks, responding effectively in stressful situations, and connecting survivors with mental health resources (if/when available and desired by a survivor). The series also introduces simple mind-body-spirit techniques for grounding and sustaining well-being. Through interactive scenarios and discussions, advocates will enhance their ability to respond with compassion, communicate effectively, and support the survivor in front of them while caring for themselves and one another along the way.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training series, advocates will be able to:

●      Recognize the impacts of domestic violence on mental health and well-being for both survivors and advocates.

●      Strengthen self-awareness, reflection, and emotional safety as foundations for trauma-informed support.

●      Apply practical tools for safe, empathetic conversations about mental health and for connecting survivors to supportive resources.

Session 3: From Crisis to Collaboration (2 hours)

●      This session equips advocates to respond safely and compassionately in challenging or crisis situations. Participants will explore strategies for trauma-informed conversations, follow-up care, and expanding safe support networks even when survivors cannot articulate what helps.

●      Key Resources and Tools:

○       Responding to crisis (Circles of Support Guide, if published)

○       Pod Mapping (Tipsheet, if published)

 This training is designed to provide new advocates and domestic violence program staff the basic principles of working with victims of domestic violence.  A variety of topics are addressed including:

• Dynamics of domestic violence

• Barriers faced by victims

• Cultural humility

• Lethality indicators

• Safety planning

• Crisis intervention and crisis line work

• Advocacy foundations such as empowerment, ethics and confidentiality

This interactive training is provided by GCADV staff utilizing lecture, small group activities, role-plays, audiovisuals, and exciting discussion. The training is an excellent opportunity for new advocates to gain a thorough understanding of domestic violence advocacy or for experienced advocates looking for a “refresher” on core knowledge and skills.  

Many domestic violence advocates are themselves survivors.  This lived experience can be a profound source of empathy, credibility and hope for clients - but it can also bring unique challenges.  Survivor advocates may navigate emotional triggers, over-identification with clients, complex boundaries around disclosure, ongoing personal safety concerns, and the dual impact of trauma and advocacy work.

 

This six-part webinar series provides a supportive skill-building space for survivor advocates to explore these realities, build resilience, and deepen the joy and sustainability of their work. Each session will blend education, reflection, and peer connection.

 

 

Each session will be 90 minutes, virtual via Zoom.

This multi-session training series focuses on strengthening support for survivors’ mental health and well-being within domestic violence programs and shelters. Advocates bring deep compassion, skill, and insight to their work with survivors; this series builds on those strengths to enhance confidence and capacity in responding to mental health needs.

Many advocates are navigating increasing mental health concerns among survivors while also balancing the emotional demands of this work. This series offers a space to deepen understanding, strengthen practical skills, and promote both survivor and advocate well-being through empathy, reflection, and connection.

Together, we will explore the intersections of domestic violence and mental health, and the impacts on everyone involved. Advocates will gain tools for having safe conversations about mental health, fostering emotional safety, expanding support networks, responding effectively in stressful situations, and connecting survivors with mental health resources (if/when available and desired by a survivor). The series also introduces simple mind-body-spirit techniques for grounding and sustaining well-being. Through interactive scenarios and discussions, advocates will enhance their ability to respond with compassion, communicate effectively, and support the survivor in front of them while caring for themselves and one another along the way.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training series, advocates will be able to:

●      Recognize the impacts of domestic violence on mental health and well-being for both survivors and advocates.

●      Strengthen self-awareness, reflection, and emotional safety as foundations for trauma-informed support.

●      Apply practical tools for safe, empathetic conversations about mental health and for connecting survivors to supportive resources.

Session 4: Supporting Survivors with Stigmatized Mental Health Concerns (2 hours)

●      This webinar equips advocates and organizations with strategies to provide survivor-centered support for diverse mental health experiences, including alternative perceptions, suicidality, and self-injury. Participants will learn how to challenge stigmatizing narratives, validate diverse experiences, and build meaningful relationships that promote safety and empowerment. Practical guidance will be offered for supporting advocates and teams in navigating complex situations.

●      Key Resources and Tools:

○       Integrating use of previously discussed tools:

■      Guide for Emotional Support

■      Mind-Body-Spirit Practices (Wildflower Path Toolkit, if published)

■      Responding to crisis (Circles of Support Guide, if published)

■      And others

Many domestic violence advocates are themselves survivors.  This lived experience can be a profound source of empathy, credibility and hope for clients - but it can also bring unique challenges.  Survivor advocates may navigate emotional triggers, over-identification with clients, complex boundaries around disclosure, ongoing personal safety concerns, and the dual impact of trauma and advocacy work.

 

This six-part webinar series provides a supportive skill-building space for survivor advocates to explore these realities, build resilience, and deepen the joy and sustainability of their work. Each session will blend education, reflection, and peer connection.

 

 

Each session will be 90 minutes, virtual via Zoom.

 This training is designed to provide new advocates and domestic violence program staff the basic principles of working with victims of domestic violence.  A variety of topics are addressed including:

• Dynamics of domestic violence

• Barriers faced by victims

• Cultural humility

• Lethality indicators

• Safety planning

• Crisis intervention and crisis line work

• Advocacy foundations such as empowerment, ethics and confidentiality

This interactive training is provided by GCADV staff utilizing lecture, small group activities, role-plays, audiovisuals, and exciting discussion. The training is an excellent opportunity for new advocates to gain a thorough understanding of domestic violence advocacy or for experienced advocates looking for a “refresher” on core knowledge and skills.  

Many domestic violence advocates are themselves survivors.  This lived experience can be a profound source of empathy, credibility and hope for clients - but it can also bring unique challenges.  Survivor advocates may navigate emotional triggers, over-identification with clients, complex boundaries around disclosure, ongoing personal safety concerns, and the dual impact of trauma and advocacy work.

 

This six-part webinar series provides a supportive skill-building space for survivor advocates to explore these realities, build resilience, and deepen the joy and sustainability of their work. Each session will blend education, reflection, and peer connection.

 

 

Each session will be 90 minutes, virtual via Zoom.

 This training is designed to provide new advocates and domestic violence program staff the basic principles of working with victims of domestic violence.  A variety of topics are addressed including:

• Dynamics of domestic violence

• Barriers faced by victims

• Cultural humility

• Lethality indicators

• Safety planning

• Crisis intervention and crisis line work

• Advocacy foundations such as empowerment, ethics and confidentiality

This interactive training is provided by GCADV staff utilizing lecture, small group activities, role-plays, audiovisuals, and exciting discussion. The training is an excellent opportunity for new advocates to gain a thorough understanding of domestic violence advocacy or for experienced advocates looking for a “refresher” on core knowledge and skills.  

Many domestic violence advocates are themselves survivors.  This lived experience can be a profound source of empathy, credibility and hope for clients - but it can also bring unique challenges.  Survivor advocates may navigate emotional triggers, over-identification with clients, complex boundaries around disclosure, ongoing personal safety concerns, and the dual impact of trauma and advocacy work.

 

This six-part webinar series provides a supportive skill-building space for survivor advocates to explore these realities, build resilience, and deepen the joy and sustainability of their work. Each session will blend education, reflection, and peer connection.

 

 

Each session will be 90 minutes, virtual via Zoom.