Helping Through the Aftershock: Effective Service Provision for Sexual Violence Survivors & Thrivers
Jared S. Rose, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC, EMDRC | September 23 | 11:45 am-12:45 pm
Topic: Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Advanced
We live under the shroud of rape culture. Sexual violence is “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed against a person’s sexuality…by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting” (World Health Organization, 2014, p. 76). In the United States, someone is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds (RAINN, 2020). Such prevalence makes clear that addressing sexual violence, including sex trafficking, from a social justice standpoint is crucial. Yet, so is meeting the needs of individuals. While sexual violence runs amuck, those impacted are left traumatized, seeking help and refuge. Far too often, psychotherapeutic treatment and other direct services treat the symptoms, but not the cause; namely, the trauma. The Sexual Violence ALERT Points are core elements which can be incorporated into direct service provision to maximize healing from sex trafficking and other sexual violence forms (Rose, 2022). Focused on Assessment, Language, Engagement, Roles, and Trauma Treatment, the ALERT Points can be incorporated into existing theoretical approaches and services. In so doing, helping individuals heal more effectively is possible. This presentation seeks to aid direct service providers with foundational principles when working with those who have experienced sexual violence, including sex trafficking. Most importantly, information will be shared for how to provide effective psychotherapy and other service provision to support healing of sexual violence survivors and thrivers. Specific tools and resources will also be provided.
Presentation Objectives:
· Provide and illustrate an effective approach to aid those healing after sexual violence in psychotherapy and other direct services
· Define and describe the Sexual Violence ALERT Points and their use in psychotherapy and other direct service provision
· Summarize and encourage specific trauma-informed care of sexual violence survivors and thrivers
· Provide tangible tools resources that can be used in treatment immediately