the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Much of your role as an advocate is determined by your job description and duties as well as agency andprogram policy. There are likely limits to <strong>the</strong> scope of support services that you are able to offer. Thoselimits are in place to help find a balance between providing <strong>the</strong> most help to each individual and beingable to help <strong>the</strong> greatest number of people. Talk with your supervisor about what services you are able toprovide.Advocating for Survivors WheelDeveloped by Domestic Abuse Intervention ProjectTHE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE16 | P a g e
What is Active Listening?Active Listening is <strong>the</strong> conscious effort to hear not only <strong>the</strong> words that ano<strong>the</strong>r person is saying, but also trying tounderstand <strong>the</strong> complete message and context of <strong>the</strong> message being sent.There are five areas of focus when actively listening. As you work on <strong>the</strong> hotline as an advocate, using active listening skillswill make you more effective at working with survivors.PAY ATTENTIONGive <strong>the</strong> speaker your undivided attention,and acknowledge <strong>the</strong> message. Recognize thatnon verbal communication also "speaks"loudly.SHOW YOU ARE LISTENINGUse your own body language and gesturesto convey your attention.PROVIDE FEEDBACKOur personal filters, assumptions,judgments and beliefs can distort what wehear.As a listener, your role is to understand what isbeing said. This may require you to reflect whatis being said and ask questions.DEFER JUDGMENTInterrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates<strong>the</strong> speaker and limits full understanding of<strong>the</strong> message.RESPOND APPROPRIATELYActive listening is a model for respect andunderstanding. You are gaining informationand perspective.You add nothing by attacking speakers oro<strong>the</strong>rwise putting <strong>the</strong>m down.You should practice:Looking directly at <strong>the</strong> speaker.Putting aside distracting thoughts.Being in <strong>the</strong> moment; don't be preoccupied with mentallypreparing a response.Avoiding distraction; close your door and let your voice mailcatch o<strong>the</strong>r calls."Listening" to <strong>the</strong> speaker's body language.Refraining from side conversations when listening in a groupsetting.You should practice:Nodding occasionally.Smiling and using o<strong>the</strong>r facial expressions.Noting your posture and making sure it is open andinviting.Encouraging <strong>the</strong> speaker to continue by using smallverbal comments like yes and uh huh.You should practice:Reflecting on what has been said by paraphrasing. "What I'mhearing is." and "Sounds like you are saying." are great waysto reflect back.Asking questions to clarify certain points.Summarizing <strong>the</strong> speaker's comments periodically.You should practice:Allowing <strong>the</strong> speaker to finish <strong>the</strong>re sentences.Waiting to respond and not interrupt with counterarguments.You should practice:Being candid, open and honest in your response.Asserting your opinions respectfully.Adapted from Mindtools.comTHE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE17 | P a g e
Page 2 and 3: Table of ContentsIntroduction: Hist
Page 4 and 5: provide a unified statewide presenc
Page 6 and 7: The Family Violence Prevention and
Page 8 and 9: The chapters that follow will provi
Page 10 and 11: Understanding the
Page 12: Leaving an Abusive RelationshipTher
Page 15: Helps Plan for Future Safety Helps
Page 19 and 20: Focus on SafetySurvivors of family
Page 21 and 22: Safety PlanningAs advocates, we nee
Page 23 and 24: Would the informat
Page 25 and 26: Victims who witness the</st
Page 27 and 28: Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order
Page 29 and 30: Here is an overview of some of <str
Page 32 and 33: Family Law CasesFamily Law Cases ar
Page 34 and 35: A common way abusers instill fear i
Page 36 and 37: An Advocate’s Role…AssessExplor
Page 38 and 39: Pregnant women not eligible for Med
Page 40 and 41: Texas Advocacy Gui
Page 42 and 43: GuardianshipIn some cases, an adult
Page 44 and 45: Resources to AssessQuestions to Ask
Page 46 and 47: VAWA protections (VAWA)VAWA require
Page 48 and 49: These protections fall into a few d
Page 50 and 51: housing and homeless issues in <str
Page 52 and 53: Individuals respond to traumatic ev
Page 54 and 55: Relocation Rental AssistanceRelocat
Page 56 and 57: Law Enforcement & Legal Services•
Page 58 and 59: Chapter 8: Coordination of Communit
Page 60 and 61: The end result of a well-maintained
Page 62 and 63: The success of offenders in a BIPP
Page 64 and 65: Finding SupportSince the</s
Page 66 and 67:
Economic Justice ResourcesNational
show all

the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?