Training Topics

Foundational Offerings

Women’s Advocates offers online presentations via Zoom. In-person presentations are available upon request for groups located within Minnesota.

We predominantly provide trainings for groups and organizations consisting of:

  • Victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence 
  • Domestic and sexual violence advocates 
  • Direct social service providers (case managers, social workers, legal advocates, etc.) 
  • Medical and mental health providers

If you are seeking an in-person presentation and you are located outside of Minnesota, please search for state-specific domestic violence resources and trainings here. 

To schedule an online presentation, visit our calendar here or email our Education and Outreach Team at education@wadvocates.org. If you have questions, please call 651-726-5233.

Domestic Violence 101

  • Understand the prevalence of domestic violence as a public health concern in Minnesota and beyond
  • Recognize the different forms of abuse, general warning signs/dynamics, and impact on victim-survivors
  • Acknowledge the root causes of domestic violence and barriers to safety while addressing common misconceptions
  • Engage in conversations about domestic violence and support victim-survivors including connecting them to safety resources

Domestic Violence 201

  • Expand understanding of abusive relationship dynamics, deepening knowledge of emotional abuse tactics and the form of abuse known as coercive control;
  • Explore why the general public is historically reluctant to believe survivors who come forward about their abuse; and
  • Gain tools and courage to stand up against victim-blaming and minimization, and help build a culture that believes victim-survivors

How Domestic Violence & Homelessness Impact Survivors’ Mental Health Wellness

  • Discuss the interconnectedness of domestic violence (including childhood abuse), housing instability, and mental health impacts (including substance abuse)
  • Recognize and navigate barriers to safe housing and mental health support
  • Identify warning signs and the power and control dynamics related to housing and mental health concerns
  • Share relevant resources and support systems available for victim-survivors

How to Support Children Through Abuse Related Trauma

  • Recognize the warning signs of child abuse (from a developmental lens) and engage in conversations about abuse with children in a trauma-informed way 
  • Understand how children may experience, react to, and be impacted by abuse-related trauma (including ACES)
  • Support children who have experienced/been exposed to domestic violence through knowledge of healthy communication skills, safety planning, protective resources and resilience promotion

All About Safety Planning

  • Know the different facets of “safety” beyond the physical, and the importance of holistic safety in the lives of victim-survivors
  • Understand the components and considerations of safety planning (including online)
  • Identify when safety may be compromised and create a personalized safety plan related to level of risk (including ongoing support systems and resources to be connected with)

Healthy Relationship Building Blocks

  • Know the components of healthy relationships across the relationship spectrum: friendships, family, intimate partners, colleagues (including trust, healthy communication skills/expectations, emotion regulation)
  • Identify their relationship rights and needs with the support of setting boundaries
  • Recognize red flags and green flags in potential relationship partners

Other Topics Outside of Our Foundational Curriculum

Check out local community organizations for other presentation topics: