Caring for Yourself While Advocating for Your Clients: Working with Clients Living with Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence

Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) can affect people of all genders, races, and socioeconomic levels. Immigration legal service providers often work with unaccompanied youth who experienced this type of violence in their home countries, but youth who have reunified in the U.S. sometimes face domestic or intimate partner violence as well. Working with a youth who is suffering abuse, whether it be physical, emotional, and/or psychological, can present many challenges. Do you know how to proceed when you suspect a client is experiencing DV/IPV, in order to best support your client and inform them of their legal options? Do you know how to take care of yourself, so that the stress of working with a client in crisis is not overwhelming? This webinar explores these topics, and offers critical, practical tips for navigating these cases, so that you may help your client and at the same time, care for yourself.

During this webinar, the speakers will discuss:

• what DV and IPV encompass and the power and control cycle of abuse,
• key steps to take when you suspect DV/IPV may be occurring,
• safety planning,
• best practices in navigating reporting requirements and possible ethical conflicts,
• best practices for supporting and advocating for youth experiencing DV/IPV, including protective orders, emancipation, police reporting, and immigration protections,
• how, as an advocate, you can be prepared, set boundaries, and practice self-care,
• and resources to help you and your client feel supported.