Inadvertent Harm and Re-victimization: Research Based Methods to Ensure that Well-meaning Advocacy Efforts are not Hurting or Hindering the Pro Human Rights Movement
Jesse Bach, PhD & Stacey Litam, PhD | September 20 | 4:00-5:00 PM | Room 2592
Topic: Conceptual | Knowledge Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Over the last decade, an increased focus on human rights and social justice issues has inspired students, researchers, and advocates to join the field. Despite the well-meaning efforts of many advocates, it remains unknown whether ethical issues such as maleficence and beneficence are not violated. This engaging presentation will provide evidence-based, peer reviewed methods to better inform the research and treatment practices of helping professionals. This session will provide education on topics including how to avoid spreading false facts, how to avoid mindless consumerism within advocacy materials and fundraising items via the buycott app and how to use trauma-sensitive language as developed by the International Organizations for Adolescents (2017). Additionally, the presenters will be examining how to avoid emotionally escalating and/or damaged centered pleas to gain exposure for your organizations mission by examining Dr. Robert Cilaini’s research into influence (1984), ethical considerations in dealing with sensitive subjects, and finally how certain fundraising or advocacy efforts may inadvertently re-victimize survivors and abuse victims by relating the work of victimization conducted by Morton & Sangrey (1986) and others. At the end of this presentation, members of advocacy organizations who do not hold licensure for working with traumatic situation will have a better understanding of how to engage in trauma-informed dialogue. This presentation will benefit new students, researchers, and advocates who may be at the beginning of their career or those who have not yet discovered ways to ethically support survivors of trauma.
Presentation Objectives:
· Describe how to avoid spreading false facts.
· Explain how to avoid mindless consumerism within advocacy materials and fundraising items.
· Discuss trauma-sensitive language and ethical considerations in dealing with sensitive subjects.
· Explore how certain fundraising or advocacy efforts may re-victimize survivors and abuse victims.