On-Site Training

Staff who supervise others in trauma exposed workplaces like Domestic Violence Shelters and Sexual Assault Centers understand the need to create trauma-informed spaces for the survivors they serve, but may struggle to realize those same principles with the staff they supervise. This training delves into the core tenets of trauma-informed supervision like safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural responsiveness, and provides a framework for applying these principles to supervisory relationships. This training is designed for any level of manager, from your newest to the most seasoned supervisor.

Join national expert, Cathy Cave, to discover how to create an environment where open communication, shared goals, and mutual support are not reserved for clients only,  and learn to address workplace stressors, prevent burnout and compassion fatigue,  and cultivate a team that thrives! 

For any survivor of domestic violence, there are barriers to safety and services that often prevent that survivor from leaving or reaching out for help. For immigrant or refugee survivors, the barriers to safety can be extensively greater in number and complexity. It is essential for advocates to have an understanding of what these barriers may be in order to effectively serve immigrant and refugee survivors. At this one-day training, we will talk about the difference between immigrants and refugees, how they come to be here in the US, and clarify the terminology apply to these broad groups. We will identify and discuss the unique barriers and strengths of immigrant and refugee communities here in Georgia, and we will develop ideas of how mainstream domestic violence organizations can partner with culturally specific community-based groups to reach survivors who are in need of support. Throughout the training, we will incorporate the concepts of practicing cultural humility and cultural self-awareness as the best approach to connecting with immigrant and refugee survivors and communities. 

Learning Objectives:

• Define and distinguish between immigrants and refugees
• Understand the application and vetting process for refugees coming to the US
• Apply an approach of cultural humility to advocacy work
• Increase knowledge and understanding of the unique barriers and domestic violence dynamics experienced by immigrant and refugee survivors (with a special focus on African, Bhutanese and Burmese cultures, stories, and examples)
• Develop tactics for reaching out to and forming partnerships with culturally specific community service programs
• Identify and celebrate the resiliency, strength, and creativity of immigrant and refugee survivors

 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.  

Supporting survivors' mental health needs is an important funtion of domestic violence programs and shelters and is crucial in a survivor's journey toward healing while in shelter and beyond. Understanding the unique staffing and supervision needs of therapists, or how to identify approprite community menthal health resources can be challenging for leaders in domestic violence agencies.  GCADV is excited to welcome Ashley Harris, Vice President of Theraputic Services at Partnership Against Domestic Violence, to lead this important conversation about strengthing mental health services for survivors.  During this two hour virtual training,  participants will: 

• Identify responsibilities of therapists, mental health coordinators, interns, supervisors, and licensed contractors within a domestic violence shelter setting.
• Understand the importance of the triage role and how it supports effective client care and resource allocation.
• Learn the importance of creating, evaluating, and revising mental health policies and procedures that align with trauma-informed care and ethical standards.
• Discuss challenges unique to rural or isolated locations, including limited referral options and handling cases where clients are not a good fit for available services.
• Explore creative solutions for connecting clients to appropriate care and supporting staff in resource-scarce environments.
• Learn the significance of structured, supportive supervision to interns and newly hired clinicians, with a focus on trauma-informed approaches, ethical decision-making, and professional development.
• Get tools for evaluating intern performance, offering constructive feedback, and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Advocates working with survivors of trauma, like domestic violence or sexual assault, need knowledge of trauma, along with practical tools and strategies to create a supportive environment and navigate challenging situations. This full day, in person, interactive training seeks to deepen the participant's understanding of trauma's impact and cultivate a more trauma-informed approach to de-escalation.  

This training will provide knowledge and techniques to effectively de-escalate situations by: 

• Understanding trauma's neurobiological impact and its influence on behavior. 
• Identifying and responding to trauma-related "triggers" in survivors. 
• Exploring trauma-informed advocacy principles
• Implementing trauma-informed de-escalation strategies
• Promoting healing and building resilience in survivors and advocates. 

This training is intended for domestic violence and sexual assault advocates, victim support professionals and other allied individuals working with trauma survivors. 

 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.