Resource Library

Supporting Survivors with Serious Mental Health Concerns

Survivors with severe mental health disabilities who have experienced traumatic events, including domestic and/or sexual violence, face unique stressors and challenges.

In this webinar, Dr. Frederika Theus – a clinical psychologist who specializes in treating people with disabilities – provided an overview of the primary severe mental health conditions and the associated symptoms and challenges. Frederika also explored the association between trauma, stress, and severe mental illness, along with common challenges to assessment and care, such as symptom overlap and diagnostic overshadowing. Strategies for supporting survivors with severe mental health disabilities to self-regulate were also discussed.

Sign Language Interpreting in DV/SA Contexts

Sign language interpreting in domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) contexts requires more than language fluency- it demands cultural competence- trauma-informed practice, and an understanding of the unique dynamics at play in these sensitive situations. This webinar explored the critical role of sign language interpreters working with Deaf survivors. Presenters discussed the barriers that exist for Deaf survivors when accessing victim services, and tangible ways to address those barriers. Participants learned how to advocate for effective interpreters in DV and SA settings, as well as understand best practices for ASL interpreters and victim service providers in these contexts.

This training covered topics such as language access planning for Deaf survivors, best practices before, during, and after meeting with a Deaf survivor, how to determine if communication is effective, working with Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs), and tips for finding qualified interpreters.

Presenters

Raylene Lotz, CDI, Activating Change
Amanda Richter, NIC; Ed: K-12, Activating Change

Invisible Injuries: Acquired Disabilities from Violence

When most people hear the terms “concussion” or “traumatic brain injury,” they often associate them with football, military service, or accidents. However, fewer are aware that brain injuries can also result from domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse, including strangulation and choking. Survivors of violence not only cope with the emotional and psychological aftermath of their experiences, but also often face acquired disabilities that profoundly affect their quality of life and their ability to access services. Unfortunately, these brain injuries are rarely identified and seldom treated immediately, leading to both short- and long-term physical, emotional, and cognitive consequences.

In this session, we explored the complex and often overlooked intersection of violence, trauma, and brain injury. We also highlighted pioneering research in Ohio that examined the connection between brain injury and domestic violence. Finally, we introduced CARE, a trauma-informed, brain injury-aware framework designed to improve awareness, accommodations, and accessibility.

Featuring Rachel Ramirez, Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Rachel Ramirez is the Director of Health and Disability Programs and the Founder of The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury at The Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN). Her focus is on supporting professionals and systems to better understand traumatic stress and the impact of brain injury, which translates into more accessible and effective services. She provides extensive statewide, national, and international training, technical assistance, consultation, and program support. Rachel also supervises Ohio’s Office on Violence Against 2 / 2 Women Disability Grant Program’s statewide collaboration of forensic nursing, brain injury, and domestic and sexual violence services, funded since 2020.

Rachel has co-authored several peer reviewed journal articles and has been featured on National Public Radio and CBS News as well as in The New York Times Magazine and The Washington Post. Rachel has a master’s in social work from The Ohio State University and is a licensed independent social worker and a registered advocate with senior standing and has been with ODVN for 18 years.

Know More, Do More Part 2: Navigating Scenarios & Solutions for Stalking Survivors with Disabilities

Watch Part 2 of the Know More, Do More series as we continue our exploration of stalking and its impact on survivors with disabilities. This session began with a short recap of key concepts from Part 1, including stalking behaviors, tactics, and the intersection with domestic and sexual violence. We then dove into real-world scenarios, providing an opportunity to discuss specific challenges and strategies for supporting survivors with disabilities. Participants had the chance to ask questions, share insights, and collaborate on solutions for addressing the unique needs of those affected by stalking. This session was designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to provide effective support to victims with disabilities.

View this interactive webinar, presented by Natalie Ivey, the Training and Criminal Justice Specialist for the Stalking, Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), an Aequitas initiative.

Know More, Do More: Recognizing and Responding to Stalking Among Victims with Disabilities

Stalking is a prevalent, dangerous, and often misunderstood crime. For victims with disabilities, stalking can be even more complex, with additional barriers to seeking help, increased vulnerability, and unique challenges in safety planning. This webinar explored the dynamics of stalking, common tactics used by perpetrators, the intersection of stalking with domestic and sexual violence, as well as tools to plan for survivor safety and hold offenders accountable. This presentation focused on specific considerations for working with survivors of stalking who have disabilities.  
 
Attendees learned to identify stalking behaviors and dynamics, recognize the intersection of stalking with other crimes, and apply strategies for working with survivors with disabilities who have experienced stalking. Watch this informative webinar, presented by Natalie Ivey, the Training and Criminal Justice Specialist for the Stalking, Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), an Aequitas initiative.