This tipsheet is part of Preparing for Court: Emotional Safety Planning & Planning for Sobriety (Module 2).
This document, “Preparing for Court Proceedings with Survivors of Domestic Violence: Tips for Civil Lawyers and Legal Advocates,” offers comprehensive guidance on how legal professionals can proactively support survivors of domestic violence (DV) navigating the court system. It emphasizes that legal proceedings are often stressful and can be re-traumatizing for survivors due to the nature of their abuse and the court environment itself.
The tipsheet explains how traumatic reminders can manifest (e.g., panic, anger, dissociation) and provides strategies for “Acting Proactively to Prepare for Triggers.” These strategies include partnering with survivors, giving information about trauma and its potential impact in court, and making a plan for managing triggers. Key advice involves discussing logistical details of court, enlisting support people (including DV advocates or therapists), planning for the abuser’s presence, and creating “what to do if triggered” strategies. The document also guides the management of triggers during proceedings, such as requesting recesses, grounding techniques, and validating survivors’ feelings, all aimed at enhancing a survivor’s ability to participate effectively and achieve successful outcomes in their case.