Training

Advocacy Tools to Respond to Mental Health and Substance Use Coercion

Brief Overview

This three-part interactive webinar series equips advocates with knowledge, tools, and strategies to address the intersections of domestic violence, mental health, and substance use coercion. Participants will learn to recognize coercive tactics, provide trauma-informed and affirming support, foster emotional safety, and expand survivors’ access to mental health and substance use resources. Each session offers practical frameworks and hands-on tools to strengthen advocacy, collaboration, and survivor empowerment. 

Herramientas de Defensa para enfrentar la coerción vinculada con la salud mental y el consumo de sustancias en programas de atención a la violencia doméstica

*Spanish translations are available via YouTube settings.

Webinar Information

2026 Webinar Series -

Reclaiming Power: Responding to Mental Health and Substance Use Coercion

January 22, 2026 2PM CST

In this interactive webinar, we will explore the intersections of domestic violence, mental health coercion, and substance use coercion. Advocates will gain insight into how unsafe partners manipulate and weaponize mental health and substance use to isolate, destabilize, and exert control. Through scenarios and discussions, we will examine common coercive tactics and their impacts on well-being, autonomy, and ability to access support.

The workshop introduces two practical tools—the “Mental Health Coercion Palm Card” and the “Substance Use Coercion Palm Card”—providing a framework for:

  • Initiating safe conversations about mental health and substance use coercion
  • Offering validating and affirming responses to survivors’ experiences
  • Collaborating with survivors to develop strategies for access to desired services

Advocates will enhance their capacity to recognize subtle forms of coercion and provide effective, trauma-informed support. 

Amanda Lyon, LCSW

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2026 Webinar Series -

Cultivating Emotional Safety: Supporting Survivors and Staff

February 26, 2026 2PM CST

In this interactive webinar, we will explore ways to create emotional safety and connection with survivors experiencing distress. Advocates will learn practical strategies for having supportive conversations, sharing helpful resources, and co-creating emotional support plans that promote resilience and engagement across many types of settings.

The workshop highlights the Guide for Emotional Support and its Self-Directed Emotional Support Plan, providing a framework for:

  • Initiating grounding and supportive conversations during times of emotional distress
  • Collaborating with survivors to create individualized emotional support plans
  • Integrating emotional support practices to sustain both survivor and staff well-being

Advocates will strengthen their ability to foster emotional safety, connection, and care for survivors and themselves.

Cathy Cave

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2026 Webinar Series -

Building Bridges: Expanding Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Support

March 26, 2026 2PM CT

 In this interactive webinar, we will explore strategies to increase survivors’ access to mental health and substance use resources that align with their self-defined wellness goals. Advocates will learn how to prepare for supportive conversations, plan collaboratively with survivors to connect to behavioral health services, and stay engaged as survivors navigate new systems of care.

The workshop introduces three practical tipsheets, Preparation, Planning, and Staying Connected, providing a framework for:

  • Building readiness to support survivors seeking to access behavioral health services
  • Tips for collaboratively safety planning and supporting self-advocacy when accessing resources
  • Offering ongoing, strengths-based support to maintain connections to desired resources

Advocates will strengthen their ability to promote access, empowerment, and continuity of care for survivors seeking mental health and substance use support.

Amanda Lyon, LCSW, and Cathy Cave

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