Training: When Abuse Goes Digital
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022 (2-3:30 p.m.)
Abuse has gone digital. Today, we are spending more time online and on our devices than ever, which has created new safety risks for victims of gender-based and family violence. This prevalence of technology-enabled abuse necessitates that we prioritize physical, emotional, and digital safety of victims and their children. This training will explore practical approaches anyone working with victims can implement to recognize, address, and prevent the ways people are harmed online and via their devices. Learn how to identify digital abuse and what you can do to keep people safe. This training is free but registration is required.
Strangulation and Sexual Violence
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022 (2-3:30 p.m.)
The presenters will share their expertise on strangulation, and describe the general dangers and signs of strangulation, how to identify and support strangulation victims, and overall Forensic Assessment and Consultation Team (FACT) services. This training is free but registration is required.
Training: Courageous Conversations: Reflections and Our Work With Victims of Sexual Violence
Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 (10 a.m.-Noon)
We are often warned that our work with victims of sexual violence can cause vicarious or secondary trauma. However, have you ever asked, “How might my values, beliefs and feelings impact the work with clients?”
This interactive, virtual training is intended for any person working with victims of sexual violence, including -- but not limited to -- rape, incest, sexual harassment, trafficking, stalking, and domestic violence. During this learning experience, participants will be introduced to a comprehensive view of sexuality and how our worldview impacts our thoughts, values, and beliefs about sexuality.
Additionally, using a tool called the Courageous Conversations Protocol, we will examine how our worldview may impact work with clients. This professionally facilitated training is part of a research study being conducted at Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies. Training participants will be invited to be interviewed by the researcher about their experience of the training and how the presented material might impact their approach to work.
Interview participants will receive a $25 e-gift card immediately after the one-hour interview.
This training is free, but registration is required.
Tier One
Tier One is a 16-hour training on the dynamics of domestic violence, the systems that respond to those experiencing violence, and available resources in our community. The training is designed for professionals interested in learning the dynamics of domestic violence to deepen their work with clients and community members, and anyone interested in volunteering with Domestic and Sexual Violence Services. Please note that you must attend all eight sessions to receive a certificate of completion. This training is free, but registration is required.
Tuesday, March 8, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Thursday, March 10, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Thursday, March 17, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 22, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Thursday, March 24, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 29, 2022: 4- 6 p.m.
Thursday, March 31, 2022: 4-6 p.m.
Tier Two
Exploring Consent, Boundaries, and Healthy Sexuality with Clients Impacted by Intimate Partner Violence
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 (10 a.m.-Noon)
Conversations about consent can be difficult, even for professionals who work with individuals, families, and communities impacted by intimate partner violence. However, we know these conversations are often crucial in supporting meaningful change in the lives of the people we serve and preventing sexual violence. This training aims to support and enhance your professional skills regarding how to engage with clients about consent, boundaries, and the connections to healthy sexuality. This training, held in conjunction with the monthly Fairfax County DV Network meeting, is free, but registration is required.
Tier Two
Working with Immigrant Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence Panel
Thursday, May 26, 2022 (5-7 p.m.)
Immigrant survivors of domestic and sexual violence often face specific barriers when escaping abusive partner and family dynamics. These challenges can include specific legal issues related to their immigration status, limited economic supports, and language and cultural barriers when accessing supportive services. These and other issues put immigrant families at higher risk of domestic violence than other populations. This training is free, but registration is required.
Tier Two
Serving Male-Identified Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 (2-3:30 p.m.)
While data continue to show girls and women are disproportionately impacted by intimate partner violence, boys and men can also experience victimization and deserve holistic and survivor-centered services. Male-identified survivors of intimate partner violence face unique barriers in accessing services and disclosing their victimization. This webinar will discuss the dynamics of intimate partner violence with male victims and how they can be shaped by social norms around gender and masculinity. It will explore some of the barriers faced by male-identified victims/survivors; increase understanding of challenges for service providers working with male survivors and identify new collaborations to improve services to this population. This webinar is free, but registration is required.
Bystander Intervention
April 2022
In this training, we will share concrete strategies for how to distract, delegate, document, delay, or directly intervene in a way that is safe, effective, and centered on the needs of the person being targeted. Participants will leave feeling more confident intervening the next time they see someone being abused. (Date and registration information coming soon.)
Stalking
May 2022
This training is for multidisciplinary professionals who want to increase their understanding of stalking and enhance their skills in working with stalking victims or offenders. It may include the following topics:
- Stalking Prevalence, Lethality, and Impact
- Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence
- Stalking and Sexual Assault
- The Use of Technology to Stalk
- Stalking on Campus
- Stalking Risk Assessment
- Stalking Safety Planning
- Working with Victims of Stalking
(Date and registration information coming soon.)
Raising awareness calls for proactive efforts to increase knowledge of or reshape cultural norms or false perceptions about gender-based violence.
County Conversation Podcast: Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Robust Volunteer Program
County Conversation Podcast: Teens and Stalking—an Unfortunate Trend
Heritage Months
Teen Panel: We'll Tell You What We Really Want to Know
Denim Day
Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion: Crime after Crime