No one organization can address this issue on their own. Disability organizations, organizations that address domestic and sexual violence, and other community agencies possess unique knowledge and services that, when combined, expand their understanding of survivors’ needs and create a system of services that is more complete and integrated to better meet the needs of survivors with disabilities. The first step in combining these resources is to build formal relationships through collaboration.
Resources You Can Use
- Collaboration Handbook: Creating, Sustaining, and Enjoying the Journey. This handbook tells you what to expect when working in collaboration and how to meet the challenges in a way that strengthens your group and gets the results you want.
- Forging New Collaborations: A Guide for Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence, and Disability Organizations. This report, based upon the Vera Institute of Justice’s work with more than 40 collaborations working to improve services for survivors with disabilities, recommends steps for building effective collaboration and practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles.
- Duluth, MN Collaboration Charter. Connections – a collaboration of several domestic violence, sexual assault, and disability organizations – created this charter to document their group’s vision and mission, shared values, and agreed-up work processes.
- King County Reciprocal Consultation Guide. The Domestic Violence and Mental Health Collaboration Project in King County, Washington created this document to guide the sharing of expertise across disciplines to increase the comfort and skill set of staff when working with survivors with mental health concerns.