Voluntary, Survivor-Centered Advocacy in Domestic Violence Agencies

Abstract

Voluntary, survivor-centered advocacy is a model of practice used in domestic violence organizations; however, more information is needed from the perspective of survivors on how to best facilitate survivor-centered approaches in a voluntary service format. This qualitative study used a thematic analysis to uncover core advocacy approaches from 25 female-identified survivors dwelling in domestic violence emergency shelter and transitional housing programs in two states. Themes revealed that three core approaches aid a voluntary, survivor-centered advocacy model: 1) Establishing a safe base for support, 2) Facilitating access and connection, and 3) Collaboration. Advocacy approaches that emphasize safety, mutuality, and availability of support best engage survivors in voluntary services to address needs and meet goals. Use of a strengths-based approach, psychoeducation, and resource-building contributes to the social and emotional well-being of survivors. Findings indicate community DV advocates should use adaptable advocacy models aimed at service access, connection, and collaborative resource acquisition. Voluntary, survivor-centered models use principals of trauma-informed care, though more widespread use of trauma-informed care (TIC) in voluntary services are needed. Advocates need organizational support to meet survivor needs. Implications for research include the need for fidelity studies and longitudinal research.

A Process to Identify and Address Barriers to Providing Financial Capability Programming to Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

“…This model emphasizes partnership between survivors and advocates (nonclinical DSV agency staff) in which diverse survivors with a variety of experiences and needs develop their own goals for service and engage in those services on a voluntary basis. The approach is influenced by a theoretical orientation to a feminist empowerment frame which assumes that economic abuse is a way to assert masculine privilege with the goal to establish control and break down a victim’s autonomy and self-efficacy (Stark, 2007); therefore, interventions with survivors should aim to “undo” the use of power and control (Wood et al, 2020). Accordingly, we hypothesize that for agencies using a survivor-led approach, implementation efforts should aim for changes in the way DSV service agencies offer a range of FCAB interventions rather than one single evidence-supported treatment.…”

Advocate and Survivor Perspectives on the Role of Technology in Help Seeking and Services with Emerging Adults in Higher Education

“…In examples like this, advocates are clearly balancing active 'recruitment' of survivors into services while valuing the survivor-driven voluntary services model that is frequently seen in community-based advocacy, where the choice to engage in services is wholey in the hands of the survivor (Wood et al, 2020b).…”

Using Anticarceral Feminism to Illustrate the Impact of Criminalization on the Lives of Individuals in the Sex Trades

“…Practice approaches with individuals working in the sex trade can be informed by adopting principles of survivor-centered advocacy. Wood, Clark, Heffron & Schrag (2020)maintain that survivor-centered advocacy starts with the premise that survivor's perspectives, lived experiences, and knowledge of their own situation are the key in the work that is done with them. They are the expert in their own lives, and any practice approaches should be created jointly with sex workers from a place of nonjudgment as well as honest and respectful dialogue.…”