Domestic Violence and Disasters: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Advocacy (Capital Region)
NYSCADV is excited to announce a new statewide regional based training initiative offering resources for domestic violence programs and disaster responders to support trauma-informed best practices during times of crisis and disaster.
BACKGROUND
This training series was developed in collaboration with FVPSA and the National Domestic Violence Hotline in response to devestating disasters experienced across our state. Superstorm Sandy’s aftermath resulted in thousands of damaged homes and businesses in New Jersey and New York, over $1 billion in property damage, and over 100 tragic deaths. For many people, Superstorm Sandy exposed the underlying social disparities among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, people in poverty, single mothers, people with disabilities and victims of domestic violence. In addition to Sandy, many communities in New York were deeply impacted by Tropical Storms Irene and Lee, as well as significant floods, ice storms, and major snow events. Human-made tragedies like domestic violence homicides can also have long and profound effects on communities.
DETAILS
Barriers experienced by victims of domestic violence in disasters become even more complex as legal systems, social services, and other community resources are disrupted. Domestic violence programs also face challenges to sustain the wellbeing and resilience of staff after disasters strike. Disaster preparedness is important, and practices focused on response, recovery and mitigation are equally important. These issues pose additional challenges requiring practice, collaboration, and relationships with other local agencies.
The training for domestic violence advocates includes the following topics:
- Challenges that are specific to domestic violence advocacy in crisis and disaster situations;
- Concrete ways to assess and safety plan with survivors during times of crisis and disaster; and
- Understanding compassion fatigue, the impact it has on our work as advocates, and ways to sustain wellness and resilience in multiple areas of our lives.
Based on cutting edge research and practitioner evidence, these training modules are designed so that attendees can take the information back to educate their own programs, disaster responder, and communities about domestic violence specific disaster preparedness and response.