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Victim-Advocate Privilege & Confidentiality

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Victim-Advocate Privilege & Confidentiality workshop will explain and clarify the requirements put forth by the State of Oregon for advocates working with domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking Survivors. We will discuss the importance of confidentiality and privacy and how it enhances survivor safety. Confidentiality protects survivor dignity and autonomy as well as increases the likelihood that survivors feel safe in coming forward to seek the help they need and deserve. We will review VAWA and funders’ confidentiality requirements and discuss releases of information, mandatory reporting, record-keeping and confidentially navigating our working with community partners.

LOCATION

Online via Zoom

PRICING AND REGISTRATION

For any questions regarding registration, our sliding scale, work-trade opportunities or accessibility needs, please contact Shay Braden at sjp@ywcapdx.org or ‪(971) 358-6227.

ACCESSIBILITY

This class will be held online via Zoom. Please contact us to let us know if you need specific accommodations.

VIRTUAL CLASSROOM TIPS

Thanks for joining us online! Here are some suggestions for getting the most out of this workshop:

  • Mute your microphone. To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking. When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise.

  • Engage with the class. These are intended to be workshops, not webinars! Please come ready to engage and participate, and help build community within the “classroom.” Not everyone is able to participate via webcam, but if you are able, we ask that you do so as much as possible.

  • Limit distractions and avoid multi-tasking. You can make it easier to focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone. You’ll retain the discussion better if you refrain from replying to emails or test messages during the meeting and wait until after the workshop ends.

  • Help us improve our program! Each workshop will have a brief survey sent out. All results are anonymous and help us continuously improve our program.

  • Take notes. Our facilitators’ own their presentation material so it is not a requirement for the presentation to be shared afterwards.

  • Need an accommodation? Email us so we can create an ideal learning environment for you. sjp@ywcapdx.org

GROUP PARTICIPATION FRAMEWORK & AGREEMENTS

While guidelines and expectations will vary from workshop to workshop, most of these apply to a typical workshop session:

  • One speaker at a time. When one person talks, everyone else listens.

  • Community wisdom. Nobody knows everything, together we know a lot.

  • Take space & give space. Be mindful of how much you’re participating in the discussion.

  • Intent vs. impact. Before sharing, consider how what you say will affect others in the group.

  • Confidentiality. Details shared in the class stay in the class, but what’s learned goes with you.

  • Active participation. In this environment, it’s better to be open and imperfect than worry too much about being overly articulate.

  • Embrace discomfort and expect non-closure. Learning and growth can be stressful, do your best to hold space for those feelings.


PRESENTER

Presented by Debbie Elias

Debbie has extensive experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence as a highly skilled advocate, community educator and support group facilitator. Her passion for social change has been a motivating force throughout her life. She is a first-generation Lebanese immigrant, with a culturally diverse upbringing and years of living, working and traveling in various parts of the world. For self-care she enjoys Tai Chi, gardening and lots of laughter!


Contact Us
Email: Shay at shayb@ywcapdx.org

Phone: ‪(503) 294-7395

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September 12

Sexual Assault Advocacy Skills

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September 17

Saviorism in Domestic Violence Work