Valor's Support for Survivors
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VALOR’S SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS Training for Sexual Assault Counselors/Advocates This project/publication was supported by funding awarded by Victim of Crimes Act, (VOCA) Victim Assistance Formula Grant Program and the Services*Training*Officers*Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (TE18211578) through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). The opinions, findings, and conclusions in this publication are those of the author and not necessarily those of Cal OES. Cal OES reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish, and use these materials and to authorize others to do so. © 2021 ValorUS 1215 K Street, Suite 1850 Sacramento, CA 95814 In 1999 ValorUS (formerly the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, hereinafter “VALOR”) released the first Support for Survivors guide. Two decades have passed, and within that time our movement to end sexual violence has transformed. Perspectives of sexual violence have changed and the voice of our movement to end sexual violence has grown; we’ve recognized the need to center equity and reach communities at the margins in order to support all survivors, especially the most vulnerable. The latest updates to VALOR’s Support for Survivors: Training Sexual Assault Counselor/Advocates in the 21st Century reflect the advancements the movement has made and our fearless approach to honor the valor and strength of survivors. Our intention from the beginning has not just been to provide pathways for survivors, but also to strengthen the capacity of our communities to prevent and intervene in sexual assault by addressing the root causes that create the conditions for violence and oppression. VALOR envisions a world free from violence where the dignity of every person is valued and respected. This new version of Support for Survivors informs us how we move forward to address the inequities survivors face and bolster the resources we have to offer. Sandra Henriquez Chief Executive Officer VALOR’S SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS | 3 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION About Support for Survivors: Training for Sexual Assault Counselor/Advocates in the 21st Century. .11 Understanding Advocacy. .11 Words Matter. 14 Becoming a Counselor/Advocate. .14 Challenges . 15 What You Will Learn . 15 Using this Manual. .18 Acknowledgments. 19 References. .20 CHAPTER 1 | OVERVIEW OF SEXUAL ASSAULT Introduction . .23 What is Sexual Violence? . 23 History of the U.S. Rape Crisis Movement. 24 Root Causes of Sexual Violence . 28 Types and Definitions of Sexual Assault . .29 Sexual Assault Trauma and Long-Term Effects . .35 Marginalized Communities and Oppressed Groups . 40 Summary. 41 References. .42 CHAPTER 2 | DISCRIMINATION AND OPPRESSION Introduction . .47 Intersection of Discrimination, Oppression, and Sexual Violence. .47 Cultural Considerations in Providing Services to Different Marginalized Groups. 52 Identity, Power, and Privilege . 55 Conclusion . 60 References. .61 VALOR’S SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS | 5 CONTENTS CHAPTER 3 | CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Introduction . 63 What is Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)? . 63 Frequently Asked Questions About Child Sexual Abuse. 64 What are the Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse? . 65 Why Would Anyone Sexually Abuse a Child?. .67 What are the Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse?. 68 Cultural Considerations. 68 Developmental Considerations . 69 Effects of Child Sexual Abuse. 70 Family Issues and Child Sexual Abuse. .70 Effects of Child Sexual Abuse. 72 Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). .72 Mandated Reporting Procedures and Agency Policy . .73 Therapy for Child Sexual Abuse. 73 Summary. 74 References. .75 CHAPTER 4 | TEEN SEXUAL ABUSE Introduction . .79 Developmental Considerations of Teen Sexual Abuse . 79 Teen Culture and Risk Factors. 82 Risk Factors and Protective Factors for Sexual Violence . 84 Legal Issues. 87 Related California Statutes. 88 Counseling/Advocacy Issues and Concerns . .91 The “Don’t” List for Working with Teen Survivors . .93 Commercially and Sexually Exploited Children and Youth (CSECY). .94 Summary. 96 References. .98 6 | VALOR 2021 CONTENTS CHAPTER 5 | CRISIS INTERVENTION Introduction . 101 Survivor-Centered and Trauma-Informed Principles and Techniques. .101 Responding to Disclosures . 103 Help Survivors Understand the Effects of Trauma. 104 Confidentiality. 104 Needs Assessment and Survivor Options. 104 Suicide Lethality and Safety: Assessments and Interventions. 105 General Safety Issues. 106 Crisis Intervention with Friends and Family . .107 Identifying and Responding to Sex Trafficking . 108 Developing an Action Plan. 109 Continuing Support. 109 Vicarious Trauma and Self-Care. .110 References. .112 CHAPTER 6 | REFERRAL RESOURCES AND METHODS Introduction . 115 Procedures to Access Local Resources. .115 Creating an Individualized Referral Plan. 116 RCC Procedures. .119 Local Referrals and Support Services . 119 Best Practices and Strategies for Warm Referrals and Community Referrals. .120 Summary. 122 References. 122 CHAPTER 7 | MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION AND SYSTEMS Introduction . 125 History and Goals of Collaboration. 125 Clarifying Your Role as an Advocate . .126 Community Partners and Resources. .128 Privileged Communication with Collaborators. .128 Working with Specific Systems: Medical, Law Enforcement, Prosecutors . 129 Military. 129 Educational Institutions . 131 Prisons/Jails/Detention Facilities . ..