Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence with Complex Mental Health Needs

Event Facilitator: Sarah Holmes, Prevention & Education Manager (Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence) and Jett Moxley, Assistant Director (YWCA New Britain Sexual Assault Crisis Services)

This training is designed for victim advocates who work with survivors of sexual violence who also have complex mental health needs, including serious mental illness (SMI). Advocates will develop a clearer understanding of common symptoms associated with SMI and how these symptoms may affect communication, safety planning, and engagement in advocacy services.

The training will explore the connections between sexual violence victimization and serious mental illness. Participants will examine the unique impacts of sexual violence on survivors with SMI and learn practical, trauma-informed strategies to support survivors who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.

Learning Objectives

• By the end of this training, participants will have:
• Identified common symptoms associated with SMIs and how they may present in advocacy settings
• Explored the relationship between sexual violence victimization and SMIs
• Recognized the impacts of sexual violence on survivors with complex mental health needs
• Reviewed trauma-informed strategies to support survivors experiencing a mental health crisis

This training is Part 1 of a full-day event, registration required. Part 2, "Advocacy Skills Workshop: Supporting Survivors with Complex Mental Health Needs," will take place that afternoon, from 1:30-3:30 pm. Participation in both sessions is recommended but not required.