EDUCATION AND Outreach
Intimate partner violence will only end when our communities feel empowered and prepared to recognize its signs, causes, and impact.
Steps to End Domestic Violence’s Education and Outreach program works to raise awareness about the impacts of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities. We visit schools, businesses, community groups, and more to engage advocates in anti-violence work and inspire them to create a safer world for everyone.
What we offer
Trainings and Workshops: Scroll down to view a list of all the presentations we offer, sorted by their intended audience. Click the title of each presentation to learn more. Our workshops support our direct service programs and therefore we have a donation-based pricing structure. We can offer a sliding scale on request.
Custom Workshops: If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the list of workshops we offer, please email steps@stepsvt.org. We’d be happy to work with you to build a custom workshop that will best fit the needs of your organization.
Consultations: We offer consultations to businesses and organizations that work with survivors to ensure their policies and processes are supportive and empowering to those who have experienced intimate partner violence. Please reach out to steps@stepsvt.org for more information or to request outreach materials.
To schedule a speaker, training, or workshop, please complete our workshop request form.
WORKSHOPS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
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About: Overview of Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services
Audience: Anyone looking to learn more about our agency!
Participants will learn…
The history, values, and mission of Steps to End Domestic Violence
The empowerment model and how it guides our work with survivors
Crisis Worker Privilege and how we maintain survivor confidentiality
Our current programs and services, eligibility, and when and how to make a referral to us
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About: A comprehensive, in-depth look at the foundations of intimate partner violence.
Audience: Anyone looking for detailed information on power and control and how intimate partner violence manifests in relationships. No prior knowledge of this subject is required.
Participants will learn…
About different types of abusive behaviors through the power and control wheel
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships
The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship
Tools and resources to support those experiencing domestic violence
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About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/family, community members, or clients who are experiencing intimate partner violence.
Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to intimate partner violence. Please note that this presentation can be tailored for any organization or community group that works with survivors. We will provide opportunities for participant discussion and develop skills to navigate any challenges you may encounter when providing services to this population.
Participants will learn…
Information about intimate partner violence and the experience of survivors
The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship
Signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship and how to best support them using the framework of the empowerment model
Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services
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About: This introductory, discussion-based workshop builds foundational knowledge of the elements of healthy relationships.
Audience: College students, parents/caregivers, adult community members, anyone who wants to learn more about healthy relationships. Survivors of intimate partner violence are welcome to attend, and this presentation can also be tailored to discuss the complexities and challenges of dating again after abuse.
Participants will learn…
How to define a healthy relationship using their core values
The importance of boundaries and consent, and how to talk about these topics with a new partner
Components of a healthy relationship, including communication and conflict resolution skills
To identify their own relationship red and green flags
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About: This presentation provides an overview of trauma and its impacts on survivors. This is an introductory workshop and no prior knowledge of this topic is required.
Audience: Adult community members, advocates, and anyone who works with survivors of trauma*
*Are you a fitness professional, physical therapist, or working in a related discipline? We have a training designed specifically to help you recognize trauma and create a trauma-informed environment for your clients when your work traditionally incorporates physical contact with those you help. Please reach out to stephs@stepsvt.org for more information or to arrange this training.
Participants will learn…
Definitions of trauma and common trauma responses of domestic violence survivors
Risk and protective factors for experiencing trauma/PTSD
How to incorporate trauma informed practices into your work with survivors
How to be trauma informed within systems that are not
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About: This presentation provides an overview of financial/economic abuse. No prior knowledge of this topic is required.
Audience: Financial professionals, such as bank and credit union staff or accountants
Participants will learn...
How to define and recognize financial abuse
The dynamics of intimate partner violence using the power and control wheel and cycle of violence
The impact of financial abuse and how to support survivors
WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERs
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About: This workshop provides in depth information on the impacts of domestic violence on children and teens
Audience: Parents/caregivers whose children have been exposed to domestic violence and adults who work or interact with vulnerable children
Participants will learn…
To define exposure to domestic violence and identify the effects witnessing DV has on children
What parenting can look like in an abusive relationship
Ways to be trauma informed, build resilience, and support children
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About: Overview of teen dating violence definitions and dynamics.
Audience: Parents, teachers, and caregivers for middle- and high-school students
Participants will learn…
The impact of teen dating violence and why youth are vulnerable to abuse
What abuse looks like in teen relationships, using the teen power and control wheel
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving
Community resources and support for teen survivors
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About: A comprehensive, in-depth look at the foundations of intimate partner violence in young adults. No prior knowledge of this subject is required.
Audience: college students, parents/caregivers, college faculty and staff
Participants will learn…
The impact of dating violence and why young adults are vulnerable to abuse
What abuse looks like in college relationships, using the power and control wheel
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving
Community resources and support for survivors
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About: This introductory, discussion-based workshop builds foundational knowledge of the elements of healthy relationships.
Audience: College students, parents/caregivers, adult community members, anyone who wants to learn more about healthy relationships. Survivors of intimate partner violence are welcome to attend, and this presentation can also be tailored to discuss the complexities and challenges of dating again after abuse.
Participants will learn:
How to define a healthy relationship using their core values
The importance of boundaries and consent, and how to talk about these topics with a new partner
Components of a healthy relationship, including communication and conflict resolution skills
To identify their own relationship red and green flags
-
About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/family, community members, or clients who are experiencing intimate partner violence.
Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to intimate partner violence. Please note that this presentation can be tailored for any organization or community group that works with survivors. We will provide opportunities for participant discussion and develop skills to navigate any challenges you may encounter when providing services to this population.
Participants will learn…
Information about intimate partner violence and the experience of survivors
The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship
Signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship and how to best support them using the framework of the empowerment model
Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services
WORKSHOPS FOR yOUTH, teens, and Young adults (middle school - college)
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About: This presentation discusses the importance of consent in a sexual relationship. It provides an overview of Planned Parenthood FRIES acronym and the necessary components of consent presented through age-appropriate activities and discussion.
Audience: Middle School and High School youth
Participants will learn…
Definitions, examples, and types of consent/non-consent
The age of consent in Vermont
How and when to negotiate consent, and how to accept refusal
About setting healthy boundaries in their relationships
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About: This interactive, discussion-based workshop allows teens to explore what a healthy relationship looks like to them. This workshop typically follows Consent 101 but could also be combined into one presentation on consent and healthy relationships if necessary.
Audience: Middle School and High School youth
Participants will learn…
How to define a healthy relationship using their core values
Components of a healthy relationship, including communication and conflict resolution skills
To identify their own relationship red and green flags
-
About: Overview of teen dating violence definitions and dynamics. This presentation typically follows Healthy Relationships.
Audience: Middle School and High School youth.
Participants will learn…
The impact of teen dating violence and why youth are vulnerable to abuse
What abuse looks like in teen relationships, using the teen power and control wheel
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving
Community resources and support for teen survivors
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About: A comprehensive, in-depth look at the foundations of intimate partner violence in young adults. No prior knowledge of this subject is required.
Audience: college students, parents/caregivers, college faculty and staff
Participants will learn…
The impact of dating violence and why young adults are vulnerable to abuse
What abuse looks like in college relationships, using the power and control wheel
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving
Community resources and support for survivors
WORKSHOPS FOR ADVOCATES AND HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONALS
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About: Overview of the health care practitioner’s unique role in recognizing domestic violence, engaging in trauma-informed practices, and connecting survivors with resources.
Audience: Anyone connected to the healthcare setting, such as healthcare providers, case managers, physical therapists, mental health clinicians, etc.
Participants will learn…
The definition of intimate partner violence and the medical power and control wheel
The impact of patient disclosure on confidentiality and intake procedures
Best practices when working with patients who have disclosed abuse
The importance of trauma informed practices and language
Alternatives and considerations when asking “Are you safe at home?”
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About: Practicing self care and setting healthy boundaries can prevent burnout and vicarious trauma, but it can be difficult to know where to start. This interactive, activity-based workshop will explore these concepts in an engaging and accessible way.
Audience: Any advocates involved in anti-violence work, whether in a professional, volunteer, or community capacity
Participants will learn…
About the definition, significance, and limitations of self-care
An overview of community care
The importance of identifying and setting your personal boundaries
How to use their core values to build a self care plan and set healthy boundaries
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About: This presentation provides an overview of trauma and its impacts on survivors. This is an introductory workshop and no prior knowledge of this topic is required.
Audience: Adult community members, advocates, and anyone who works with survivors of trauma*
*Are you a fitness professional, physical therapist, or working in a related discipline? We have a training designed specifically to help you recognize trauma and create a trauma-informed environment for your clients when your work traditionally incorporates physical contact with those you help. Please reach out to stephs@stepsvt.org for more information or to arrange this training.
Participants will learn…
Definitions of trauma and common trauma responses of domestic violence survivors
Risk and protective factors for experiencing trauma/PTSD
How to incorporate trauma informed practices into your work with survivors
How to be trauma informed within systems that are not
-
About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/family, community members, or clients who are experiencing intimate partner violence.
Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to intimate partner violence. Please note that this presentation can be tailored for any organization or community group that works with survivors. We will provide opportunities for participant discussion and develop skills to navigate any challenges you may encounter when providing services to this population.
Participants will learn…
Information about intimate partner violence and the experience of survivors
The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship
Signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship and how to best support them using the framework of the empowerment model
Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services
-
About: This presentation provides an overview of financial/economic abuse. No prior knowledge of this topic is required.
Audience: Financial professionals, such as bank and credit union staff or accountants
Participants will learn...
How to define and recognize financial abuse
The dynamics of intimate partner violence using the power and control wheel and cycle of violence
The impact of financial abuse and how to support survivors