EDUCATION AND Outreach
The way to truly end domestic violence is to prevent it from happening in the first place.
We work to create awareness about the effects of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities.
We visit schools, businesses, community groups, and more to engage advocates in anti-violence work and inspire them to create a safer world for everyone.
Workshops & other educational opportunities we offer include:
Agency Overview (Approx. 1 hour)
About: Overview of Steps to End Domestic Violence.
Audience: Anyone looking to learn more about our agency!
Participants will learn…
The history, values, and mission of Steps to End Domestic Violence
About the different programs that Steps offers to the community
When making a referral to us would be appropriate
How best to get in touch with us
DV 101 (Approx. 1.5 hours)
About: Overview of the foundations of intimate partner violence.
Audience: Anyone looking for detailed information on power and control and the ways in which IPV manifests in relationships.
Participants will learn…
Common myths about IPV
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships
How the power and control wheel demonstrates different types of abusive behavior
The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship
Domestic Violence in the Healthcare Setting
(Approx. 2 hours)
About: Overview of domestic violence and the health care practitioner’s unique role in being trauma-informed and connecting survivors with resources.
Audience: Anyone connected to the healthcare setting i.e. healthcare providers, case managers, physical therapists, mental health clinicians, etc.
Participants will learn…
The definition of IPV and its relation to patient disclosure, confidentiality, and when doing intake
The medical power and control wheel
Best practices when working with patients that have disclosed abuse
The importance of language and why the “Are you safe at home?” questions can be more harmful than helpful
Tech Safety 101 (Approx. 1.5 hours)
About: Overview of technological abuse and the varying ways technology can be used as a tool of power and control by abusive partners.
Audience: Community members or agencies looking for more information on how to best support survivors experiencing technology abuse.
Participants will learn…
How technology such as phones, social media, and the internet is used to stalk, harass, and cause harm to survivors
Safety planning tips and resources around technology
How Steps can assist survivors with tech safety
Supporting Survivors of IPV (Approx. 1.25 - 1.50 hours)
About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/loved ones who are experiencing intimate partner violence.
Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to IPV.
Participants will learn…
Facts and myths about IPV and the experience of survivors
Signs that a loved one is in an abusive relationship and what to do to help them
Resources and assistance Steps can provide for survivors
Healthy Relationships and Consent (Approx. 1.5 hours)
About: Overview of Planned Parenthood FRIES acronym and the necessary components of consent presented through age-appropriate activities and discussion.
Audience: Middle School, High School, and College aged youth.
Participants will learn…
Examples of verbal and non-verbal signs of consent
The age of consent in Vermont and power dynamics in relationships
What a healthy relationship looks and feels like
Negotiating Consent and Accepting Refusal
(Approx. 1.25 hours)
About: This is done following Healthy Relationships and Consent. It provides an overview of values and boundaries and how to utilize these tools for consent during sexual intercourse.
Audience: Middle School, High School, and College aged youth.
Participants will learn:
How to negotiate and what negotiating looks like when you’re in a sexual relationship with someone
How to speak your boundaries and cope with the feeling of them not being met with respect
The importance of values when asking for what you want
Teen Dating Violence 101 (Approx. 1.25 hours)
About: Overview of dating violence and its many manifestations for teenagers through power and control and the cycle of violence in abusive relationships.
Audience: Middle School, High School, and College aged youth.
Participants will learn…
The definition of teen dating violence and its impact on youth
The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and difficulties with leaving
The manifestations of abusive behavior using the teen power and control wheel
About healthy and unhealthy relationships through discussion and activities
Bystander Intervention (Approx. 1.5 hours)
About: How to safely be an active bystander in classrooms, communities, and public/private spaces.
Audience: Middle school, High School, College-aged youth, and community members who want to learn more about what happens when violence occurs and how to respond.
Participants will learn…
The components of bystander intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, and Delay
Reasons for intervening/not intervening
How to be an active bystander in real-life through practice scenarios
How to keep yourself and others safe
Digital Citizenship (Approx. 1.5 hours)
About: Overview of the varying ways we can be upstanding digital citizens in our communities and stop cyberbullying at the source.
Audience: Middle school, High School, College aged youth, teachers, community members, parents/guardians, plus anyone who wants to help protect young people from cyberbullying.
Participants will:
Learn what it means to be a good digital citizen
Understand the definitions of textual harassment, sexting, hate speech, and cyberstalking
Discuss various scenarios and participate in activities about cyberbullying in a safe environment
How to combat cyberbullying and what to do when it happens
Custom Workshops: If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the workshops we offer, feel free to email steps@stepsvt.org. Please explain that you’d like a consultation with the Education and Prevention Advocate to build a custom workshop that will best fit the needs of your agency. We’d be happy to work with you!
Domestic Violence Materials, Brochures, and Resources: Steps to End Domestic Violence provides brochures, resources, and other materials to educate the community about the issues of domestic violence. These materials have been placed in waiting rooms of doctor offices, the walls of high school classrooms, the offices of the clergy, the bathrooms of corporations, and resource tables at community organizations.
To schedule a speaker, training, or workshop, or request materials, please complete our workshop request form.