Advocates to the Front! 2024 WSCADV Conference

En honor a “Advocactes to the Front”, WSCADV tiene el honor de presentarles un panel de intercesoras latinas que han tenido un profundo impacto en sus comunidades a través de su pasión y dedicación a este trabajo. Agradecemos a nuestras panelistas Rosalinda Álvarez, Celia Guardado y Brandi Belgarde por todo el trabajo que han realizado para apoyar a los sobrevivientes latinos. Este taller se presentará en español con interpretación al inglés.

In honor of “Advocates to the Front”, WSCADV has the honor to present you with a panel of strong Latine advocates who have made a profound impact in their communities through their passion and dedication to this work. We are grateful to our panelists Rosalinda Alvarez, Celia Guardado, and Brandi Belgarde for all the work that they have done to support Latine survivors. This workshop will be presented in Spanish with English interpretation available.

This dynamic workshop will cover two important programs at the YWCA: Survivors FIRST and the Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI)

Women represent the fastest growing incarcerated population, and those charged with crimes are overwhelmingly survivors of gender-based violence. Research highlights that the traditional criminal justice approach often fails to address the unique needs and experiences of Black women and women of color who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Few resources exist to provide diversion, services, and pathways to healing for criminalized survivors.

Survivors FIRST is the pioneering program from the YWCA and King County Prosecuting Attorney addressing this critical gap, and it has now become the national model. This program aims to identify victims of gender-based violence facing criminal charges and offer alternative pathways to address trauma and provide support by connecting survivors with culturally relevant community providers and services. This portion of the workshop will discuss survivor-centered diversion, showcase Survivors FIRST, and discuss how prosecutors and victim advocates can work together to break the cycles of abuse and victimization

The second half of the workshop will provoke your thought process to identify biases and shift your understanding about the intersection of violence of Black women in marginalized communities. We will provide information to empower and educate you about structural racism and the frameworks fostered by YWCA RSJI. The Race and Social Justice Initiative is YWCA’s expression of its commitment to eliminate racial disparities, raise up the voices and experiences of Black women, and achieve racial equity and social justice.

This workshop will cover important updates to gender-based violence statutes that legal advocates need to know as they navigate working with survivors.

Come learn about the evidence-based Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model, focused on getting survivors of domestic violence into stable housing as quickly as possible, and then providing the necessary support as they rebuild their lives.

Join us for an insightful breakout session exploring the phenomena of secondary trauma as a form of countertransference, focusing on how these experiences can serve as a mirror for self-discovery and personal growth. Participants will learn to identify and understand various autonomic physical and emotional reactions that arise when working with stories of trauma, and gain valuable insights into their personal strengths and vulnerabilities. Together, we will develop practical strategies for leveraging these insights to enhance personal well-being, improve case management, and strengthen professional resilience.

Our panelists, Rokea Jones, BLK MAMAS Collective, Jamie Lovato, Spokane Tribe Indigenous Birth Justice and Jessica Houseman-Whitehawk, Ttáwaxt Birth Justice Center, are combining their expertise as doulas and birth justice advocates, while utilizing holistic, healing, plant, and cultural knowledge in their support of birthing families and training of doulas. They focus on dismantling oppressive systems and fighting for healthcare equity for Indigenous, Tribal, and Black birthing families. We invite you to join in on our discussion, facilitated by Andrea Garcia Brown, on what birth justice means to us and how it connects to our advocacy work.

In this session, we will delve into the significance of incorporating culture as a primary means of prevention, especially within minoritized communities. Harnessing the wisdom passed down through our indigenous teachings, Snxestwilxtn staff will explore how cultural practices play a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing healthy relationships. Through a hands-on mindfulness activity rooted in our traditions, we will engage in meaningful dialogue about our shared responsibility in amplifying BIPOC voices and anchoring culture in prevention efforts. Discover why culture is not just an add-on, but a cornerstone of building and sustaining thriving communities.

A comprehensive overview of WAISN’s advocacy and action plans designed to support and empower immigrant communities, with a special focus on supporting victims of domestic violence through advocacy, resources, and community-building efforts.

Increase your understanding of how mandatory reporting impacts survivors and their children; decision making and advocacy questions beyond report or don't report. Come learn about best practices, practical skills & tools for advocates.

For many survivors who use substances, it is a way to cope with the trauma of abuse, while some are also coerced into using by their abusive partner. Let’s come together and learn how to support survivors experiencing this challenging intersection.

This workshop will provide an introduction to In Their Shoes: Teens and Dating Violence - Classroom Edition for anyone who wants to use this innovative community education tool in your work. Participants will experience the training for themselves, and learn best practices, tips and tricks for facilitators. In Their Shoes is a scenario-based training designed to help participants talk about what dating is like for today’s teens—from their perspective. Participants become teen characters, make choices about their relationships, and see what happens. In Their Shoes provides a snapshot of unhealthy teen relationships and generates a thoughtful discussion about the role we all have to play in stopping dating violence before it starts. Workshop participants will leave this training with a deeper understanding of teen dating violence from an intersectional perspective, and equipped with useful and intentional tools to facilitate this training in your own community.

Historically remote and rural communities have had limited access to reproductive health care and as a result survivors experience lifelong impacts that can undermine their health and choices. Rural Resources Victim Services created strategic messaging about Reproductive Justice and health care options while making sure neither survivors nor staff had a target on their backs.

Transgender folks experience some of the highest rates of intimate partner violence. Yet, our field lacks the tools and knowledge to support survivors when they come to our agencies. Learn more about the reality of transgender IPV, barriers to accessing service, and how approaching service through a holistic approach can help transgender survivors towards safety.