You are not alone: Exploring ways to support survivors of sexual assault and violence
You are not alone webinar overview
Sexual assault (SA) and violence (SV) are distressing and traumatic experiences that can leave psychological, emotional and physical scars on the survivors, affecting all walks of their lives.
Through the dedicated efforts of activist and survivor-led movements, the deeply entrenched issue of SA and SV in our society has been brought into the spotlight. As a result, it is imperative to support professionals with the necessary tools and resources required to work with survivors in a compassionate, supportive, and trauma-informed manner.
In this training, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to support survivors from a trauma-informed, strength-based and social justice lens. The topic will be understood and taught from a clinical, social, and political lens while centring the experiences of survivors. Meaningful and reflective tools will be explored on how to work with and support survivors with skill, care and compassion. The workshop will explore ways to center survivors, understand elements of consent, learn healing approaches and risk assessment for safety concerns. Participants will engage with how to sustain and support themselves as they do this important work.
Learning objectives:
- Understand the impacts of sexual assault (SA) from a clinical, social and political lens on survivors and communities.
- Grasp the impacts of trauma – gain insights into the emotional, psychological and physical effects of survivors, considering both short-term and long-term impacts.
- Understand the core ideas and principles of trauma-informed care in relation to working with survivors.
- Explore consent, disclosures and risk assessment.
- Deepen trauma-informed skills and understand the impact of SA.
- Find ways to support and sustain oneself in the work of supporting survivors.
- Engage in a survivor-centred approach – emphasize the importance of placing survivors at the center of all responses and support services.
- Support survivors from a compassionate trauma-informed and intersectional lens.
Follow-up Community of Practice overview
This interactive session offers an opportunity to revisit key ideas from the training, reflect on how the learning is being applied in practice, and explore questions that arise when supporting survivors in clinical and community settings.
Through guided discussion and shared reflection, participants will learn from one another’s experiences while deepening their understanding of trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches. Karine will facilitate the conversation and offer additional insights on topics such as responding to disclosures, consent and safety considerations, and sustaining oneself in this work.
After registering, participants will receive a brief survey where they can submit questions or topics to help guide the session. While it may not be possible to respond to every individual question, common themes from participant responses will help shape the discussion.
This follow-up session provides a great opportunity to reconnect with peers, continue the conversation, and further strengthen your work supporting survivors.
Please note: This Community of Practice is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered supervision or consultation regarding specific cases. SickKids CCMH Learning Institute and Karine Silverwoman assume no clinical responsibility for the application of the information shared.
Join us for this two-part learning experience designed to support the application of trauma-informed care when working with survivors.
SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health Learning Institute offers training and education for professionals to advance mental health care – our goal is to improve client outcomes and building capacity, together. Find training to support your professional development at www.sickkidscmhlearning.ca and reserve your spot today! Don't forget to use code OPA20 to save 20% off your registration fees.