WomenSV Creates Coercive Control Training for Domestic Violence Advocates
Los Altos-based nonprofit WomenSV (Women of Silicon Valley) has recently published a coercive control training guide. This online resource is specifically designed for domestic violence advocates and allies to enhance their understanding and ability to address covert abuse and coercive control in intimate partner relationships. Free to access on the nonprofit’s website, womensv.org, this guide is a valuable asset for anyone committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Understanding Coercive Control and Covert Abuse
Coercive control represents a pattern of behavior that is used to dominate and control another person, typically an intimate partner, through intimidation, isolation, and manipulation. Covert abuse, while less obvious, involves similar underlying tactics that undermine the victim’s self-esteem and independence. These forms of abuse can be elusive and difficult to recognize, making effective intervention challenging. WomenSV’s training guide addresses these challenges by providing clear definitions, examples, and context to help advocates identify and respond to survivors who have experienced these types of abuse.
The guide is made accessible on one webpage, ensuring that anyone can easily access and benefit from the information provided. The content covers:
-Foundational knowledge: A detailed explanation of what coercive control and covert abuse entail, including their psychological impact on survivors.
-Identification techniques: Assessment tools and strategies to help advocates recognize signs of covert abuse and coercive control in relationships.
-Support strategies: Practical advice on how to support survivors.
-Resource links: Direct links to resources and reading materials to further educate and assist advocates.
Empowering Advocates Through Education
By empowering advocates with this knowledge, WomenSV aims to create a more informed network of support around survivors. Education is a powerful tool in changing societal responses to domestic violence and can lead to more effective advocacy and better outcomes for survivors.
Ruth Darlene’s Role and Vision
As the founder and Executive Director of WomenSV, Ruth Darlene shares her advocacy experience and knowledge gained from working directly with over 1500 survivors in the past 13 years. In addition to community awareness campaigns, she also trains providers in therapy, healthcare, law enforcement, and technology on supporting covert abuse and coercive control. Prevention through education is a key strategy WomenSV aims at breaking the cycle of abuse. By teaching providers, survivors and the general public how to recognize and address subtle forms of abuse, we can create communities that are equipped to effectively support survivors.
WomenSV’s coercive control training guide is one of many accessible resources on the organization’s website. The organization shares domestic violence articles, educational videos and recordings of professional trainings online. In addition to educational resources, WomenSV hosts a searchable online directory of resources, sharing both local and national domestic violence organizations and services.
In addressing the nuanced and often-overlooked aspects of coercive control and covert abuse, WomenSV hopes to both educate and empower advocates and allies. With this new resource, WomenSV continues to work toward breaking the cycle of abuse, empowering individuals and communities to stand against domestic violence in all its forms.
