the essential guide - Texas Council on Family Violence

Individuals respond to traumatic events in unpredictable ways. What might appear to beuncooperative behavior may be a result of trauma.Some people are fearful of law enforcement for a variety of reasons (immigration status,prior negative experiences with law enforcement, substance use). Experience tells us thatbatterers often try to instill a fear of law enforcement in <strong>the</strong>ir victims as a tactic tomaintain control.File for CVC benefits within three years of <strong>the</strong> date of <strong>the</strong> crime.An Advocate’s Role…Having a CVC application denied can feel like an invalidation, disbelief, or denial of <strong>the</strong> abuse.Be prepared to support survivors if this happens and be able to offer information about <strong>the</strong>appeal process and support if <strong>the</strong>y elect to proceed with an appeal.THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ADVOCATING FOR SURVIVORS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE52 | P a g e