1A) First to Know: How Doulas Support Intimate Partner Victims and Survivors
Presenter: Amber Twyne, Black Mothers in Power

Intimate partner violence has been shown to increase in frequency and intensity during pregnancy and the postpartum period, increasing the rate of maternal mortality and morbidity. Often, doulas are the only professionals with access to the family so closely and community resources for help. Doula support also extends past pregnancy, and the ongoing connection can also serve survivors dealing with the residual impact of abuse. During this workshop, attendees will have a clear understanding of the challenges IPV has on a pregnant or postpartum person, the role of doula support and how we can collaborate to further the work.

1B) Fact or Myth: Domestic Violence Victim Services and Response in Delaware
Presenters: Dawn Culp, MSN RN, SANE-A, SANE-P, FNE, Bayhealth; Justin King, M.S., Delaware Probation and Parole ;Jenna Milecki, Esq., Delaware Department of Justice; Stephanie Rodriguez, LCSW, DVS, Turning Point at People’s Place

Collaboration and communication across systems are critical to effective survivor support. This workshop, featuring a panel discussion with experts in the field, will explore domestic violence victim services and response in Delaware. This multi-disciplinary team of professionals utilizes trauma-informed practices and coordinated responses to provide victim services within their systematic roles in cases of domestic violence. During this session, the panel will walk through various case studies and encourage participants to interact and discuss as a group, with the ultimate goal of improving collaboration to enhance victim safety.

1C) Prevention is in Everything: Working Towards a Shared Horizon
Presenters: Casey Keene, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Joe Myers, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

What kind of outcomes do you want for your community? As we work to end domestic violence, we are building the world we want to see: one where individuals and families experience wellness, equity, justice, and safety. Prevention is what allows us to shift the focus from what we want to stop to what we want to achieve together. It is our hope. It is the social change work you engage in every day as you create and nurture environments where people can thrive. In this workshop, presenters will offer a broad framework for understanding prevention, explore critical lessons learned from CDC’s DELTA programs, and draw on examples of existing programming that is impacting meaningful change in Delaware.

1D) Building Blocks to Advocacy Wellness: Saying “Yes” to Self-Care
Presenter: Joy Ingram, RAFT

In this 90-minute workshop, we will explore boundaries, define our core values, and learn to say a positive "No." Using these tools as building blocks, we will construct a foundation that prioritizes our well-being and practices self-care to build resilience to burnout and stress.​

2A) Dream Studies- Intermediate
Presenters: Lea Sevey and Vanessa Timmons, Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

A deep dive into the meanings of dreams is presented in this workshop. During this session, we will discuss why trauma dreams have so much power over us and what we can learn from them. False awakenings hold fascinating secrets and gifts that we will explore in this session. You will be able to use these skills when working with survivors who suffer from trauma dreams or to address vicarious trauma that you may be experiencing. We will provide participants with an opportunity to ask questions and get ideas about the meaning of their dreams.

2B) “Alive but Still Not Free”: Advocating for Criminalized Survivors of DV
Presenters: Selena Faith and Ellie Williams, Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Survivors of domestic violence are too often criminalized and incarcerated as a result of the abuse that they experience. They face substantial challenges within the legal system that lead to frequent arrest and conviction, harsh sentences, and significant barriers to obtaining their release post-conviction. In this workshop, we will explore how and why survivors are criminalized, offer information about the particular challenges criminalized survivors face in the legal system, and provide tools that advocates can use to help end the criminalization of survival.

2C) Operationalizing Equity Into Advocacy & Organizational Practices
Presenter: Jess Harman, Consultant

Being equitable and inclusive is more than a mindset. The best way to know if an individual or organization is equitable and inclusive is by observing what they do and just as importantly, what they do not do. This training will present concrete ideas for how to operationalize equity into both individual advocacy praxis as well as organizational policy and practice. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze the power they have to create change within themselves and their organizations.

2D) Mindfulness for Advocates: Prioritizing Self-Care at Home
Presenter: Lindsay Beach, Coastal Alchemy

This workshop is tailored to advocates seeking ways to prioritize self-care, foster resilience and maintain a work-life balance through simple mindfulness techniques. Take 90 minutes for yourself with a mindfulness meditation, writing prompts for reflection, and an opportunity to share experiences with fellow advocates.

3A) Strategies to Identify and Address Signs & Symptoms of Traumatic Stress
Presenters: Rev. Dr. Pamela Adams and Rona Harris, Faithful and Favored, Inc.

At a progressively increased rate, secondary traumatic stress (STS) continues to have an impact on professionals who are continuously exposed to trauma-related information and service traumatized individuals, with the demand to ensure that self-care and burnout are addressed in organizations. Organizations that provide staff with best practices recognize the importance of retaining their current employees by addressing their personal and professional needs, prioritizing their well-being, and providing them with flexible benefit options (Blueboard Ebook, 2023). In this workshop, participants will explore risk and resilience factors on a personal and professional level, and be able to recognize, prevent, and respond when they see those factors in others.

3B) Advocacy and Technology-Facilitated Abuse
Presenter: Chad Sniffen, National Network to End Domestic Violence

This workshop will provide an overview of technology-facilitated abuse (TFA) in abusive relationships. It will focus on knowledge and skills to assist advocates in identifying TFA, assessing how technology is being used, and working with survivors to develop safety plans in response to TFA.

3C) Gender Freedom: Practicing Gender Inclusivity in Victim Services
Presenters: Bailey Coco and Francisca Moreno, Domestic Violence Coordinating Council

Participants will delve into the meaning of gender freedom and its relationship to client empowerment. Through introspective reflection, attendees will explore ways to foster this freedom within client interactions. Deepening their understanding of transgender and non-binary identities, participants will examine the historical and policy factors that contribute to disempowerment. Additionally, participants will celebrate the resilience and strength of the transgender community. By engaging in active discussions and case studies, participants will not only reflect on their current practices but also acquire practical strategies to bring back to their work.

3D) SHIFT: Neuroscience and Breathwork for Advocates
Presenter: Tara Gush, Soul Vikality

This workshop is designed for advocates looking to shift their own nervous system and build resiliency. Advocates will learn about the connection between neuroscience, breathwork and the nervous system. Breathing techniques for stress management will be presented followed by a full transformative breathwork experience.

4A) Dream Studies- Intermediate *REPEAT SESSION*
Presenters: Lea Sevey and Vanessa Timmons, Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence

A deep dive into the meanings of dreams is presented in this workshop. During this session, we will discuss why trauma dreams have so much power over us and what we can learn from them. False awakenings hold fascinating secrets and gifts that we will explore in this session. You will be able to use these skills when working with survivors who suffer from trauma dreams or to address vicarious trauma that you may be experiencing. We will provide participants with an opportunity to ask questions and get ideas about the meaning of their dreams.

4B) Helping Professionals Enhance Caregiver Comfort & Communication Skills Around Kids’ Sexual Development
Presenter: Philinda Mindler, Children and Families First

Talking about sexual development is a challenging topic. Information about sexual health and reproductive anatomy are important parts of human development. When caregiver provide age-appropriate, comprehensive information on an ongoing basis, it helps prepare kids to have agency over their bodies. Kids and teens need language that will allow them to tell a trusted adult if they are experiencing types of unwanted touch or sexual abuse. This workshop will help professionals provide caregivers with skills and resources to prepare them to engage their child in learning about healthy sexuality and to be their kids’ go-to person when it comes to talk about sexuality.

4C) Alternate Avenues of Support: Mutual Aid and Community Collaboration
Presenter: Joe Myers, Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

As service providers, we know how important collaboration and communication are to meet the needs of victims/survivors. We are creative problem-solvers and quick thinkers. While we get lots of opportunities to practice these skills, what do we do when we’ve exhausted all of our options? This workshop will explore ways for our community to band together when the existing structures and supports aren’t working.

4D) Blossom or Burnout: The Million-Dollar Choice for Your Well-being
Presenter: Dr. Eunice Gwanmesia, Eunity Solutions, LLC

Domestic violence advocacy is critical, but the emotional toll can be immense. This dynamic and interactive workshop empowers attendees with actionable strategies to prioritize well-being, prevent burnout, and nurture resilience in the context of domestic violence advocacy. Discover how inclusive practices and trauma-informed approaches enhance stress management, resilience, and personal and professional fulfillment. Key topics include identifying burnout signs, implementing self-care techniques, fostering inclusive work cultures, setting boundaries, and harnessing peer support. Gain the tools needed to thrive while making a difference. Join us to choose well-being over burnout and blossom in your advocacy journey.