YWCA Sonoma County’s 40 hour DV training curriculum is intended to assist domestic violence service providers operating in accordance with California Evidence Code 1037.1 (b) and California Penal Code 13823.15 -.16 for the purposes of ensuring those working with victims meet the requirements of Domestic Violence pursuant to Evidence Code 1037.1 (a) (1).

• Definition and impact of domestic violence.

• History of domestic violence, particularly in relation to social justice movements.

• Relationship between societal attitudes and violence against women.

• Facts about domestic violence, and how they differ from common societal attitudes.

• Prevalence of domestic violence.

• Dynamics of domestic violence.

• Domestic violence on adult victims, children and the community.

• Role of the DV Advocate.

• Basic skills needed to work with survivors in a focused way.

• Stigma and how to serve people with unique and complex issues.

• Key points necessary in making a successful referral.

• Skills necessary to provide an accurate assessment of the client’s needs and safety.

• Skills necessary to assist clients with developing individualized safety plans.

• Ensuring the safety and confidentiality of clients.

• Increase participants’ understanding of the benefits and dangers of technology related to a client’s safety.

• Dynamics of families living with violence.

• The effects of domestic violence on children.

• Understand resiliency factors

• Gain an understanding of working with teen survivors of domestic violence.

• Respond and provide appropriate interventions and referrals.

• Understand societal influences on teen dating violence.

• Develop a common language related to issues of oppression and privilege.

• Deepen an understanding of intersections between domestic violence intervention, prevention and issues of oppression, privilege and bias.

• Tools to become allies committed to promoting equity and inclusion within the organizational culture of agencies, programs and services.

• Gain an understanding of the underserved communities and barriers to services.

• Develop a working knowledge of local resources available to underserved communities.

• Understand the structure of the legal system in California

• Understand important legal terminology

• Be familiar with domestic violence related legal issues regarding: civil law, criminal law, and victim’s rights

• Understand available resources for domestic violence survivors, including national, state, and local resources.

• Develop a working knowledge of organizations which provide services to assist survivors with finances, housing, food, healthcare, childcare, employment, transportation, and education.

• DV counselor-victim privilege, including when it applies and the limitations of keeping privilege information confidential.

• What a DV counselor’s professional responsibilities are when faced with a request for confidential client information.

• Federal and state laws that protect victims’ confidential information.

• The effects of DV, SA, and stalking on a survivor’s employment.

• The legal protections available to survivors which enable them to maintain their employment and economic security.

• The role of an advocate in helping a survivor request accommodations, leaves of absence, and other employment-related protections.

Using the knowledge gained throughout the training, practice realistic hotline and direct service scenarios in small groups.