NCFY Recommends: Making Sure Your Domestic Violence Program is Trauma-informed

Domestic violence and other trauma can have significant mental health consequences. The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health, part of the Domestic Violence Resource Network funded by the Family and Youth Services Bureau's Family Violence Prevention and Services Program, works to provide programs with the tools and training they need to support trauma survivors and their children. You may want to

• Watch free webinars presented by experts in the field. Start with "Understanding Trauma & Mental Health in the Context of Domestic Violence," which provides an overview of how to help trauma survivors heal.
• Take clients' trauma into account in everything you do. The "Creating Trauma-informed Services Tipsheet Series" provides practical advice, with topics that include "Tips for Creating a Welcoming Environment" (PDF, 210KB) and "Tips for Discussing a Mental Health Referral with Domestic Violence Survivors" (PDF, 215KB).
• Provide victims with information about how abuse affects them and how to get help. The "Safety and Well-Being Tipsheet Series" includes tipsheets about how to recognize abuse and how to decide to talk to others about being abused.

More to Read

"Addressing the Complexities of Family and Relationship Violence"

"Asking: 'What's Happened to You?' A Focus on Trauma-informed Care"

"Voices From the Field: Dr. Nik Stefanidis on Trauma-informed Consequences for Youth"