Develop strategies for culturally responsive services and supports

Now that we looked at how survivors move through the journey, let’s look at how individuals and organizations can support survivors throughout the journey.

Education and prevention

• Amplify healthy examples of Black love

• Provide self-esteem building moments

• Educate on healthy relationships, the use of power and control, and warning signs of intimate partner violence

Warning signs

• Empower survivors to create and apply boundaries

• Engage street teams, a team of community members who are educating their neighbors

• Offer counseling provided by counselors who understand the needs

• Medical assessments that consider cultural differences 

• Provide services and supports to leave a connection early

Severity increases

• Recognize Black women are faced with the task of finding balance between seeking help and protecting themselves

• Support the survivor and strive for a safe and successful separation

• Engage faith groups to give spiritual guidance and support to survivors and partners

• Advocate for law enforcement to be equitable in interventions

• Ensure shelters meet the needs of Black women

• Provide free legal aid

Stay in contact

• Highlight strengths and ensure knowledge of the need of boundaries

• Support safe contacts with managed visits or exchanges

• Provide emotional support during court activities

• Help families get through Children and Family Services involvement

• Assist survivors in getting counseling for those who are in contact

Survivorship

• Provide support to survivors, families and communities

• Assist with legal needs

• Support families in seeking justice

• Be available for families as they grieve

• Make efforts in avoiding revenge

• Assist in conflict resolution or violence intervention

Purpose | Using this toolkit | Framework for change | Understand experiences | Develop strategies | Create spaces | Co-design services | Implement strategies | Amplify efforts