EDUCATION AND Outreach

Intimate partner violence will only end when our communities feel empowered and prepared to recognize its signs, causes, and impact.  

Steps to End Domestic Violence’s Education and Outreach program works to raise awareness about the impacts 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.

What we offer

Trainings and Workshops: Scroll down to view a list of all the presentations we offer, sorted by their intended audience. Click the title of each presentation to learn more. Our workshops support our direct service programs and therefore we have a donation-based pricing structure. We can offer a sliding scale on request. 

Custom Workshops: If you don’t see what you’re looking for in the list of workshops we offer, please email steps@stepsvt.org. We’d be happy to work with you to build a custom workshop that will best fit the needs of your organization, including both virtual and in-person delivery. Additionally, any of our Lunch & Learn webinars can be modified into a workshop.

Consultations: We offer consultations to businesses and organizations that work with survivors to ensure their policies and processes are supportive and empowering to those who have experienced intimate partner violence. Please reach out to steps@stepsvt.org for more information or to request outreach materials.  

To schedule a speaker, training, or workshop, please complete our workshop request form.

WORKSHOPS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

  • About: Overview of Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services

    Audience: Anyone looking to learn more about our agency!

    Participants will learn…

    • The history, values, and mission of Steps to End Domestic Violence

    • The empowerment model and how it guides our work with survivors

    • Crisis Worker Privilege and how we maintain survivor confidentiality

    • Our current programs and services, eligibility, and when and how to make a referral to us

  • About: A comprehensive, in-depth look at the foundations of intimate partner violence.

    Audience: Anyone looking for detailed information on power and control and how intimate partner violence manifests in relationships. No prior knowledge of this subject is required.

    Participants will learn…

    • About different types of abusive behaviors through the power and control wheel

    • The cyclical nature of abusive relationships

    • The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship

    • Tools and resources to support those experiencing domestic violence

  • About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/family, community members, or clients who are experiencing intimate partner violence.

    Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to intimate partner violence. Please note that this presentation can be tailored for any organization or community group that works with survivors. We will provide opportunities for participant discussion and develop skills to navigate any challenges you may encounter when providing services to this population.

    Participants will learn…

    • Information about intimate partner violence and the experience of survivors

    • The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship

    • Signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship and how to best support them using the framework of the empowerment model

    • Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services

  • About: This introductory, discussion-based workshop builds foundational knowledge of the elements of healthy relationships.

    Audience: College students, parents/caregivers, adult community members, anyone who wants to learn more about healthy relationships. Survivors of intimate partner violence are welcome to attend, and this presentation can also be tailored to discuss the complexities and challenges of dating again after abuse.

    Participants will learn…

    • How to define a healthy relationship using their core values

    • The importance of boundaries and consent, and how to talk about these topics with a new partner

    • Components of a healthy relationship, including communication and conflict resolution skills

    • To identify their own relationship red and green flags

  • About: This presentation provides an overview of trauma and its impacts on survivors. This is an introductory workshop and no prior knowledge of this topic is required.

    Audience: Adult community members, advocates, and anyone who works with survivors of trauma*

    *Are you a fitness professional, physical therapist, or working in a related discipline? We have a training designed specifically to help you recognize trauma and create a trauma-informed environment for your clients when your work traditionally incorporates physical contact with those you help. Please reach out to stephs@stepsvt.org for more information or to arrange this training.

    Participants will learn…

    • Definitions of trauma and common trauma responses of domestic violence survivors

    • Risk and protective factors for experiencing trauma/PTSD

    • How to incorporate trauma informed practices into your work with survivors

    • How to be trauma informed within systems that are not

  • About: This presentation provides an overview of financial/economic abuse. No prior knowledge of this topic is required.

    Audience: Financial professionals, such as bank and credit union staff or accountants

    Participants will learn...

    How to define and recognize financial abuse 

    The dynamics of intimate partner violence using the power and control wheel and cycle of violence

    The impact of financial abuse and how to support survivors

  • About: Become empowered to recognize IPV in your community and support survivors.

    Audience: Any community member

    Participants will learn…

    • Why the typical approach to bystander intervention may not work for IPV, and alternative methods to support survivors

    • How to overcome barriers to intervention

    • The role of social norms and values in promoting or preventing violence

WORKSHOPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERs

  • About: This workshop provides in depth information on the impacts of domestic violence on children and teens

    Audience: Parents/caregivers whose children have been exposed to domestic violence and adults who work or interact with vulnerable children

    Participants will learn…

    • To define exposure to domestic violence and identify the effects witnessing DV has on children

    • What parenting can look like in an abusive relationship

    • Ways to be trauma informed, build resilience, and support children

  • About: Overview of teen dating violence definitions and dynamics.

    Audience: Parents, teachers, and caregivers for middle- and high-school students

    Participants will learn…

    • The impact of teen dating violence and why youth are vulnerable to abuse

    • What abuse looks like in teen relationships, using the teen power and control wheel

    • The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving

    • Community resources and support for teen survivors

  • About: A comprehensive, in-depth look at the foundations of intimate partner violence in young adults. No prior knowledge of this subject is required.

    Audience: college students, parents/caregivers, college faculty and staff

    Participants will learn…

    • The impact of dating violence and why young adults are vulnerable to abuse

    • What abuse looks like in college relationships, using the power and control wheel

    • The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving

    • Community resources and support for survivors

  • About: This introductory, discussion-based workshop builds foundational knowledge of the elements of healthy relationships.

    Audience: College students, parents/caregivers, adult community members, anyone who wants to learn more about healthy relationships. Survivors of intimate partner violence are welcome to attend, and this presentation can also be tailored to discuss the complexities and challenges of dating again after abuse.

    Participants will learn:

    • How to define a healthy relationship using their core values

    • The importance of boundaries and consent, and how to talk about these topics with a new partner

    • Components of a healthy relationship, including communication and conflict resolution skills

    • To identify their own relationship red and green flags

  • About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/family, community members, or clients who are experiencing intimate partner violence. Can be modified for any specific population, such as survivors with pets, elderly survivors, and more.

    Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to intimate partner violence. Please note that this presentation can be tailored for any organization or community group that works with survivors. We will provide opportunities for participant discussion and develop skills to navigate any challenges you may encounter when providing services to this population.

    Participants will learn…

    • Information about intimate partner violence and the experience of survivors

    • The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship

    • Signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship and how to best support them using the framework of the empowerment model

    • Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services

WORKSHOPS FOR yOUTH, teens, and Young adults (middle school - college)

  • About: This presentation discusses the importance of consent in a sexual relationship. It provides an overview of Planned Parenthood FRIES acronym and the necessary components of consent presented through age-appropriate activities and discussion.

    Audience: Middle School and High School youth

    Participants will learn…

    • Definitions, examples, and types of consent/non-consent

    • The age of consent in Vermont

    • How and when to negotiate consent, and how to accept refusal

    • About setting healthy boundaries in their relationships

  • About: This interactive, discussion-based workshop allows teens to explore what a healthy relationship looks like to them. This workshop typically follows Consent 101 but could also be combined into one presentation on consent and healthy relationships if necessary.

    Audience: Middle School and High School youth

    Participants will learn…

    • How to define a healthy relationship using their core values

    • Components of a healthy relationship, including communication and conflict resolution skills

    • To identify their own relationship red and green flags

  • About: Overview of teen dating violence definitions and dynamics. This presentation typically follows Healthy Relationships.

    Audience: Middle School and High School youth.

    Participants will learn…

    • The impact of teen dating violence and why youth are vulnerable to abuse

    • What abuse looks like in teen relationships, using the teen power and control wheel

    • The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving

    • Community resources and support for teen survivors

  • About: A comprehensive, in-depth look at the foundations of intimate partner violence in young adults. No prior knowledge of this subject is required.

    Audience: college students, parents/caregivers, college faculty and staff

    Participants will learn…

    • The impact of dating violence and why young adults are vulnerable to abuse

    • What abuse looks like in college relationships, using the power and control wheel

    • The cyclical nature of abusive relationships and barriers to leaving

    • Community resources and support for survivors

  • About: Technology is an essential part of teen and young adult lives, but can also be a tool for abuse. This presentation will provide an introduction to tech safety and discuss how to be a good digital citizen.

    Audience: High school students

    Participants will learn…

    • How to use technology safely and respectfully

    • Laws and considerations around sexting

    • How to recognize and respond to tech abuse

    • About their tech red and green flags

WORKSHOPS FOR ADVOCATES AND HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONALS

  • About: This presentation discusses the importance of screening patients for IPV in healthcare settings, and reviews screening tools and processes. Can be combined with Supporting Pregnant Survivors workshop upon request.

    Audience: Anyone connected to the healthcare setting, such as healthcare providers, case managers, physical therapists, mental health clinicians, etc.

    Participants will learn…

    • The role of the healthcare professional in recognizing and responding to IPV

    • The limitations and drawbacks to common screening questions/tools

    • Trauma-informed, survivor-centered screening alternatives

  • About: This presentation provides an overview of how to support pregnant patients who are experiencing IPV. Can be combined with Screening for IPV workshop upon request.

    Audience: Anyone connected to the healthcare setting, such as healthcare providers, case managers, physical therapists, mental health clinicians, etc.

    Participants will learn…

    • Why pregnancy is a risk factor for IPV

    • The impact of IPV on the pregnant person and baby

    • Barriers to leaving the relationship and disclosing abuse

    • How to support pregnant survivors and how Steps can help

  • About: Practicing self care and setting healthy boundaries can prevent burnout and vicarious trauma, but it can be difficult to know where to start. This interactive, activity-based workshop will explore these concepts in an engaging and accessible way.

    Audience: Any advocates involved in anti-violence work, whether in a professional, volunteer, or community capacity

    Participants will learn…

    • About the definition, significance, and limitations of self-care

    • An overview of community care

    • The importance of identifying and setting your personal boundaries

    • How to use their core values to build a self care plan and set healthy boundaries

  • About: This presentation provides an overview of trauma and its impacts on survivors. This is an introductory workshop and no prior knowledge of this topic is required.

    Audience: Adult community members, advocates, and anyone who works with survivors of trauma*

    *Are you a fitness professional, physical therapist, or working in a related discipline? We have a training designed specifically to help you recognize trauma and create a trauma-informed environment for your clients when your work traditionally incorporates physical contact with those you help. Please reach out to stephs@stepsvt.org for more information or to arrange this training.

    Participants will learn…

    • Definitions of trauma and common trauma responses of domestic violence survivors

    • Risk and protective factors for experiencing trauma/PTSD

    • How to incorporate trauma informed practices into your work with survivors

    • How to be trauma informed within systems that are not

  • About: Overview of best practices when supporting friends/family, community members, or clients who are experiencing intimate partner violence.

    Audience: Adult friends, family members, advocates, and community members who have a personal connection to intimate partner violence. Please note that this presentation can be tailored for any organization or community group that works with survivors. We will provide opportunities for participant discussion and develop skills to navigate any challenges you may encounter when providing services to this population.

    Participants will learn…

    • Information about intimate partner violence and the experience of survivors

    • The complexities and barriers surrounding survivor’s efforts to get help or leave the relationship

    • Signs that someone might be in an abusive relationship and how to best support them using the framework of the empowerment model

    • Steps to End Domestic Violence’s programs and services

  • About: This presentation provides an overview of financial/economic abuse. No prior knowledge of this topic is required.

    Audience: Financial professionals, such as bank and credit union staff or accountants

    Participants will learn...

    How to define and recognize financial abuse 

    The dynamics of intimate partner violence using the power and control wheel and cycle of violence

    The impact of financial abuse and how to support survivors