Resources
COVID-19 Resources
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are new challenges for organizations and advocates who serve survivors of domestic and sexual violence (DSV) and trauma, as well as increased barriers for survivors themselves to access services. The resources here, organized by audience and topic, aim to support:
DSV organizations and program leaders • DSV advocates • Survivors and their families • Mental health and substance use service providers
Support for DSV Organizations and Program Leaders
Leading While in Crisis
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Leadership During COVID-19: Strategies to Support Yourself and Your Team
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Face Mask Requirements: An Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma-Informed (ACRTI) Approach
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Grief Leadership During COVID-19
The Uniformed Services University’s Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress outlines best practices for leading and communicating effectively in crisis situations, including how to support your team and promote cohesion.
Supporting Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence
Parenting and Caregiving
PBS Kids: How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus
With coronavirus being a concern for grown ups, kids might also be worrying. Here’s how to talk about COVID-19 with your young children, plus ways to practice healthy habits all year round.
Resources for Advocates
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Supporting Survivors’ Access to Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services During the COVID-19 Emergency
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Webinar
Shelter from the Storm Inside: Supporting Recovery, Safety, and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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NDVH: Staying Safe During COVID-19
The National Domestic Violence Hotline summarizes how COVID-19 can uniquely impact survivors of intimate partner violence.
COVID-19 Exercise: Enhancing Compassion in the Face of Comparative Suffering
This worksheet, written by Erin Wheeler of Inner Resource Counseling, was created for therapists to use in session; mental health providers and advocates may find it helpful for their own self-care as well.
Mental Health and Well-Being
General
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Pebble Meditation
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Breathing and Meditation Video Playlist
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Yoga and Stretching Video Playlist
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Virtual Room of Refuge
Truman Medical Centers’ Center for Trauma-Informed Innovation provides relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care resources.
COVID Coach Mobile App
The US Department of Veterans Affairs created an app for everyone–not limited to veterans and service members–to support self-care and overall mental health.
Box Breathing
Breathing exercise with easy to follow visualization
Advocates and Service Providers
Managing Your Wellness During the COVID-19 Outbreak
University of Illinois at Chicago’s Center on Integrated Health Care & Self-Directed Recovery offers resources for maintaining and improving mental health, especially for behavioral healthcare providers.
Helping doesn’t have to hurt: Managing compassion fatigue in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic
This essay by Sharise Nance, LCSW helps medical providers and other essential workers in care professions identify and navigate compassion fatigue.
Grief and Loss
Sitting with Grief – Tips for Supporting Loved Ones Who Are Grieving
The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing offers guidances for supporting friends, loved ones, and colleagues as they move through the grief of someone they love dying.
Responding to Change & Loss – In Support of Children, Teens & Families
This toolkit from the National Alliance for Grieving Children offers strategies for children and families to create space for and process emotions.