Onehope Refuge Volunteer Training

OneHope Refuge Volunteer Training

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What to Expect in this Training

This training is designed to provide you with a brief but comprehensive introduction to what you need to know prior to volunteering with Onehope Refuge. It will likely take between 1-2 hours to complete, but you are welcome to stop and restart as needed. This does not need to be completed in one sitting. There are three sections to this presentation:

1. Welcome to Onehope Refuge - an introduction to who we are, what we do, and why we do it, along with our policies and procedures
2. Human Trafficking - an introduction to human trafficking, the victims, and the perpetrators
3. Trauma and Working with Traumatized Individuals - an introduction to trauma, its effects, and how to work with traumatized individuals

At the end of each section there will be a short quiz.

Section 1

welcome to onehope refuge

Objectives of Section 1

01

Understand what we do here at Onehope Refuge and why we do it

02

Identify our mission and values

03

Comprehend and adhere to our policies and procedures

Introduction to Onehope Refuge

Escaping the horror of trafficking demands specialized, extended services essential for the genuine healing of mothers and their children together. This organization was founded on one hope: through Christ, to be a refuge. We exist to be a long-term, trauma-informed, and holistic housing care model serving women with children so no child has to be separated from their mother. Onehope Refuge is truly a HOME (not a dorm or a group home) to provide privacy, safety, and independence for the families we serve through our model.

80%

of survivors are re-victimized if they do not have a safe place to go

Our Mission, Vision, and Why

Our Vision

Our Why

Our Mission

85-90% of women sex trafficked were sexually exploited when young, making them vulnerable to future predators and in need of the power of Jesus to break the cycle of trauma.

To provide transitional housing and quality restorative services that move women and their children to lives of stability, independence, and new life.

To see a world where no sexually exploited woman has to be separated from her children in order to receive safety, care, and healing.

Becoming a Part of the Solution

The Inspiration

The Problem

The Future

There is a gap in restorative services available for women who have children and have been sexually exploited, and a solution is both crucial and attainable.

Women who have children and have been sexually exploited need access to services that can keep them together and help break generational trauma.

We envision a place of comprehensive care: living spaces, counseling and therapy, life skills classes, healthcare, a self-sustained food program, and more.

Our Core Values

Team

Dignity

Faith

Hope

Love

Safety

Accountable

Triune Care Model

When a woman comes to Onehope Refuge, she will progress through three stages, experiencing personal growth and development along the way. Using wisdom drawn from other shelter models, we have crafted these three stages to support women with children emerging from profound adversity.

Independence 1-3 years

This phase encourages individuals to make autonomous decisions, take on responsibilities, and establish healthy relationships with boundaries all while living in close community on campus.

Restoration21-23 months

This core phase empowers individuals to explore new possibilities, discover their strength and resilience, and develop courage.

Stabilization30-90 days

This initial phase is dedicated to meeting individuals where they are, re-establishing their identity, and ensuring their basic needs are met.

Code of Conduct

Onehope Refuge is a faith-based organization and our Code of Conduct is rooted in our religious beliefs and values. All staff and volunteers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with Biblical standards, values, and character. The use of common sense, good ethical standards, and discretion shall guide all decisions. Please refer to the Christian Code of Conduct document received in your onboarding paperwork for a comprehensive review of conduct expectations.

Confidentiality Expectations

For the safety of all women, children, staff, and volunteers, all individuals who reside, work, or volunteer at Onehope Refuge are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Information that must remain confidential includes:

1. The location of the safehouse.
2. Any identifying information regarding the women and children who live here.
3. Any personal information about any of the women and children, including their stories.

The following measures are taken to protect confidentiality and privacy:

1. All personal information regarding any woman or child who resides at Onehope Refuge is locked and protected.
2. In order to disclose any information with a third party, there must be a specific signed Release of Information form.

Duty to Report and Inform

All staff members and volunteers at Onehope Refuge are required to report any suspected abuse or neglect to the local Department of Social Services office and to inform their task supervisor.

Client Interaction Policy

All staff members and volunteers are expected to follow the below principles in all interactions with the women and children who reside at Onehope Refuge, regardless of the actions or behaviors of the woman and/or child:

1. Treat individuals with respect
2. Provide empathy and compassion
3. Listen without judgement
4. Remain calm in all circumstances
5. Utilize a trauma-informed perspective*

*Please note that you will receive further training and information on trauma-informed care later in this training

Appearance and Attire

All staff and volunteers are expected to be clean, well-groomed, and aware of the way they present themselves.

We teach the women and children who reside here that dressing appropriately and comfortably is an early step towards increasing one's self-esteem and self-worth, so it is imperative that our staff and volunteers model this with their own appearance and attire. Anything that is revealing, inappropriate, or triggering for the women and children is not permitted. If an individual is dressed inappropriately, they will be asked to change and/or leave.

When getting dressed, please avoid the following:

• Rips, holes, and tears
• Offensive language and/or profanity
• References to drugs and/or alcohol
• Excessive cleavage, buttocks, or midriff
• Shorts or skirts shorter than mid-thigh

Additional Policies

Smoking

Reporting Misconduct

Health & Safety

Onehope Refuge is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy space. All staff and volunteers must be able to identify and resolve potential safety hazards.

Although our survivors are permitted to smoke cigarettes in designated areas, we ask that our volunteers refrain from smoking on Onehope Refuge property.

All staff and volunteers are expected to report misconduct (examples: theft, violence, fraud, etc.), and there will be no retaliation against those who report misconduct.

Drugs and Alcohol

Fraternization

Personal Belongings

Personal and/or sexual relationships between residents and volunteers/staff members are expressly forbidden.

Individuals are responsible for their own personal belongings, such as cell phone and keys. Although we strive to maintain a safe home, Onehope Refuge is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Onehope Refuge is a drug- and alcohol-free property. In order to promote a safe environment, substances and related materials are not permitted.

Ground Rules Specific to Volunteers

In addition to following our Code of Conduct and general policies, there are a few rules that are specific to volunteers that you will be asked to follow:

1. Do not ask the survivors about their experiences in sex trafficking or other forms of trauma.
2. Do not talk about sex, violence, abuse, drugs, alcohol, or other topics that are likely to be associated with traumatic experiences. This includes conversations with the survivors, their children, other volunteers, staff, etc.
3. Do not initiate any physical contact, such as hugs, with the women and children.
4. Do not go upstairs in the home. This space includes the women and children's private living spaces, and volunteers are not to enter or approach.
5. Do not allow a survivor or child to use your phone.
6. Do not show a survivor or child anything on your phone.
7. Do not show up at Onehope Refuge property without being properly scheduled.
8. Do not smoke on Onehope Refuge property.

Section 1 Knowledge Check 1/5

Incorrect, please try again!

False

True or False: All staff members and volunteers should report any suspicions of abuse or neglect.

True

Section 1 Knowledge Check 2/5

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Reporting misconduct such as theft or violence

Personal or sexual relationships between residents and volunteers

Which of the following are prohibited at Onehope Refuge?

Using a trauma-informed perspective

Section 1 Knowledge Check 3/5

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Jeans without holes

A shirt with a liquor brand logo

Which of the following is appropriate to wear when volunteering at Onehope Refuge?

A very short dress

Section 1 Knowledge Check 4/5

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Treat others with respect

Keep identifying information about residents confidential

Which of the following is *not* expected of volunteers at Onehope Refuge?

Hide suspicions of abuse

Section 1 Knowledge Check 5/5

Incorrect, please try again!

False

True or false: It is okay for you to tell your friends and family stories about the women and children at Onehope Refuge?

True

Section 2

Human Trafficking

Objectives of Section 2

01

Understand what human trafficking is and what the primary forms are

02

Identify indicators of human trafficking

03

Comprehend key terms related to trafficking

Defining Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. It is a form of modern-day slavery where perpetrators profit from the control, manipulation, and exploitation of their victims.

https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking

Force, Fraud, Coercion

Fraud

Force

Coercion

Force involves physical restraint, physical harm, and/or sexual assult. Monitoring and confinement are often used to control victims and to break down the victim's resistance.

Fraud involves false promises regarding employment, wages, working conditions, love, marriage, or a better life.

Coercion includes threats of serious harm to or physical restraint against any person, psychological manipulation, document confiscation, and/or shame and fear-inducing threats.

https://www.ovcttac.gov/taskforceguide/eguide/1-understanding-human-trafficking/

Human Trafficking

Please watch this video from the US Department of Homeland Security for further information on human trafficking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35uM5VMrZas&t=1s&ab_channel=U.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity

Primary Forms of Human Trafficking

Sex Trafficking

Labor Trafficking

Labor trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude or slavery.

Sex trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person is under 18 years old.

Locations where labor trafficking may be found:

Locations where sex trafficking may be found:

• Agricultural sites
• Construction sites
• Exotic dance clubs
• Hotels/housekeeping
• Public begging

• Forced criminal activity
• Restaurants/bars
• Hair/nail salons
• Traveling sales crews
• Residential group homes

• Exotic dance clubs
• Commercial fronts
• Residential settings
• Escort services
• Truck/rest stops

• Pornography
• Streets
• Hotels/motels
• Massage parlors/spas
• Casinos

https://www.ovcttac.gov/taskforceguide/eguide/1-understanding-human-trafficking/

Defining Commercial Sex Act

A commercial sex act is defined as any sex act for which anything of value is given to or received by any person.

This may involve the exchange of money, but "anything of value" can take a wide range of meanings. A few additional examples include:

• Housing/shelter
• Food
• Clothing
• Drugs or alcohol
• Medication

Root Causes of Human Trafficking

Like any form of crime, there are societal and individual factors that contribute to the perpetuation of human trafficking. A few primary root causes include:

• Poverty
• Demand for cheap labor/sex
• Lack of education
• Lack of human rights protections

• Lack of legitimate economic opportunities
• Cultural factors and discrimination
• Profit
• Pornography addiction

https://www.humanrightscareers.com/issues/10-causes-of-human-trafficking/

Perpetrators of Human Trafficking

Buyers

Traffickers

A buyer is someone who solitics or purchases an individual for labor or sex. They exploit individuals both online and in person in a variety of locations, such as homes, hotels, businesses, etc.

A trafficker is someone who exploits others for profit through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. They control both the victim and the profits generated from the commoditization of that individual.

Traffickers and Buyers make up the two main types of perpetrators that work together to facilitate human trafficking. Traffickers are driven by profit and power dynamics, and buyers drive demand.

Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice (AFRJ), 2018

Victims of Human Trafficking

There is no one profile for a human trafficking victim. They can be any age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, etc., and they can be located anywhere in the world. However, there are some populations who are especially vulnerable, including runaway and homeless youth, children and youth in foster care, individuals fleeing violence, marginalized minorities, and individuals who have suffered other types of abuse or exploitation in their lives.

Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice (AFRJ), 2018

Victimization

A victim's journey typically begins prior to the first instance of exploitation by their trafficker. Human trafficking is often a result of compounding vulnerabilities such as:

• Abuse
• Trauma
• Neglect
• Poverty

• Violence
• Family breakdown
• Homelessness
• Disability

When these vulnerabilities are unaddressed, under-resourced, or unnoticed, traffickers can exploit these vulnerabilities through false promises of a better life.

Alliance for Freedom, Restoration, and Justice (AFRJ), 2018

How Traffickers Find Their Victims

5. Gangs

3.Employers

1.Friends, Family, & Acquaintances

The power dynamic in an employer-employee relationship combined with the victim feeling the need to keep their job can lead to exploitation.

Many gangs recruit using various forms of force, fraud, or coercion.

Exploitation may be new or may be part of a continuing cycle of violence (such as abuse or neglect).

6. Landlords

4.Organized Crime

2.Intimate Partners

Power and control are used to ensure victim cooperation. Intimacy can be used as a tool to maintain that power and control.

By controlling their housing situation, a landlord can cause a victim stress or harm through force, fraud, or coercion.

Traffickers may use orgnized crime to bring victims into a human trafficking situation

The majority of victims are trafficked by somebody they know.

https://www.ovcttac.gov/taskforceguide/eguide/1-understanding-human-trafficking/

Power and Control Tactics

Traffickers use a wide range of tactics to exert and maintain power and control over their victims. A few examples include:

1. Coercion and threats
2. Intimidation
3. Emotional abuse
4. Isolation
5. Minimizing, denying, and blaming
6. Using privilege (such as social status or citizenship) to assert dominance
7. Economic abuse

https://www.ovcttac.gov/taskforceguide/eguide/1-understanding-human-trafficking/

Common Indicators of Human Trafficking

Verbal

Medical

Mental

Physical

• Does not appear to have the freedom to speak freely
• Responds to questions as if coached
• Allows others to speak for them
• Presents timid, fearful, and submissive

• Urinary difficulties
• Pelvic pain
• Rectal trauma
• Substance abuse issues
• Infections
• Sleep deprivation

• Appears withdrawn

• PTSD and/or generalized anxiety symptoms
• Mood swings
• Memory loss and/or flashbacks
• Disorientation or confusion

• Bruises in various phases of healing
• Scars, brands, or burns
• Malnourishment
• Severe dental issues

• Disconnected from family, friends, and community

Note that all victims are unique and will present in their own way. While these are common indicators, they will not all apply to all victims.

https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/indicators-human-trafficking

Prevalence of Human Trafficking in the US

2021 Data

72%

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline Data Report....

Sex Trafficking

The National Human Trafficking Hotline received 51,073 substantive tips nationwide, leading to the identification of 10,360 unique incidents of human trafficking. Of these, 7,499 were sex trafficking, 1,066 were labor trafficking, and 400 were a combination of sex and labor trafficking.

10%

Labor Trafficking

4%

Sex & Labor Trafficking

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/National%20Report%20For%202021.docx%20%283%29.pdf

Demographics of Sex Trafficking in the US

2021 Data

Demographics of victims identified in sex trafficking situations in the United States:

Immigration Status

Gender

Age

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/sites/default/files/2023-01/National%20Report%20For%202021.docx%20%283%29.pdf

Trafficking in North Carolina

2021 Data

Locations of Sex Trafficking Situations*

223 cases of human trafficking were identified in North Carolina, and 340 victims were involved in these cases.

20

Illicit Massage/Spa Business

15

Hotel/Motel-Based

Types of Trafficking

Pornography

15

12

Residence-Based Commercial Sex

Online Ad Venue Unknown

10

Escort/Delivery Service

*There were 90 additional situations with unknown locations

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/statistics/north-carolina

Section 2 Knowledge Check 1/5

Incorrect, please try again!

A runaway young girl with no place to live

A man who just lost his job

Which of the following profiles is MOST at risk for trafficking due to compounding vulnerabilities?

A woman without close friends

Section 2 Knowledge Check 2/5

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True

True or False: Human trafficking is a crime that only threatens young women?

False

Section 2 Knowledge Check 3/5

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Debt bondage & criminal activity

Forced marriage & domestic servitude

Which of the following are the two primary forms of human trafficking?

Labor & sex trafficking

Section 2 Knowledge Check 4/5

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Force, Fraud, & Profit

Force, Fraud, & Coercion

What are the three exploitative actions included in the definition of human trafficking?

Fraud, Profit, & Coercion

Section 2 Knowledge Check 5/5

Incorrect, please try again!

Responds to questions as if coached

Speaks freely about their abuse

Which of the following is a common verbal indicator of human trafficking?

Speaks over other people

Section 3

Trauma and How to support traumatized individuals

Objectives of Section 3

01

Understand trauma and triggers

02

Understand the impact that trauma has on individuals

03

Understand what a strengths-based perspective is and what a trauma-informed care perspective is

04

Understand the basics of how to and how not to interact with survivors of sex trafficking

Defining Terms

Trauma

A pervasive problem that results from exposure to an incident or series of events that are emotionally disturbing or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual's functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, and/or spiritual well-being.

Triggers

A psychological stimulus that prompts involuntary recall of a previous traumatic experience. These are based in personal perception and lead to a set of emotional, physiological, and behavioral responses in the pursuit of real and/or perceived safety.

https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/what-is-trauma/

The Three E's of Trauma

Trauma can be understood through the following three "E" concepts:

Effects

Trauma has lasting adverse effects on the individual's physical, social, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Experience

Trauma can be experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or threatening.

Event

Trauma can be caused by a single event or by repeated events.

Note that trauma is an individual-specific experience. Everyone experiences trauma differently, even if they have the same event that caused it! Effects of trauma are based on personal perception and personal experience of the event.

Effects of Trauma

Cognitive

Emotional

Physical

May include chronic illnesses, hyperarousal, sleep disturbances, substance use disorders, etc.

May include guilt, idealization of the perpetrator, hallucinations, cognitive distortions, dissociation, skewed view of self and world, etc.

May include anger, irritability, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, numbing, etc.

Behavioral

Social

Developmental

May impact development, negatively affecting critical neural growth and adverse brain development.

May lead to relationship issues, distrust and betrayal, difficulty developing attachments, etc.

May include reenactments, self-destructive behaviors, substance use, self-medication, avoidance, etc.

Office for Victims of Crime, Training & Technical Assistance Center

Trauma Responses

Freeze

Fight

Shut down to block out the threat.

Confront the threat.

Anger Rage Confrontation High Energy

Dissociation Numbness Shutdown Low Energy

Fawn

Flight

Appease the threat.

Run away from the threat.

People-pleasing Codependency Lack of boundaries

Anxiety Panic Avoidance High Energy

https://psychcentral.com/health/

Long-Term Effects of Trauma

Trauma can...

• Make an individual more vulnerable to developing mental health problems.
• Directly cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).
• Lead some people to misuse drugs, alcohol, or self-harm to cope with difficult memories and emotions.
• Lead people to have low self-esteem and a skewed sense of self-worth.
• Make it harder to trust people, which can make relationships and friendships more difficult to maintain.
• Lead some people to struggle to look after themselves, hold down a job, or take pleasure in things they used to enjoy.
• Make it harder for an individual to manage their emotions.
• Lead some people to react in ways that feel illogical or over-the-top.
• Increase the risk of developing physical health problems, including long-term illnesses

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/trauma

So how do we best support individuals who have experienced trauma?

Two Guiding Perspectives

Onehope Refuge bases our organization, our processes, and our interactions with others on two key perspectives:

1. Strengths-Based Perspective
2. Trauma-Informed Care Perspective

Strengths-Based Perspective

This is an approach that builds on an individual's personal strengths instead of focusing on weaknesses or deficits. It puts the strengths and resources of an individual at the center of the helping process.

It involves empowering clients to identify and apply their strengths to achieve their goals. These strengths may be held by the individual, their family, their environment, etc., but they are all an asset to the individual!

Individual Strengths

Opportunities for Growth

Family Strengths

What is wrong with this person?

From:

Environmental Strengths

A strengths-based perspective should underlie all interactions with the survivors and their children

Applying a Strengths-Based Perspective

Individual Strength Examples:

• Personal qualities - kind, resilient, empathetic, funny, loyal, courageous, etc.
• Knowledge and skills - leadership, computer literacy, reading, painting, etc.
• Passions and interests - art, dance, exercise, reading, gardening, cooking, etc.

Family Strength Examples:

• Appreciation and affection
• Dedication to each other's wellbeing
• Positive communication

Environment Strength Examples

• Supportive people around you
• Medical and social services available
• A safe place to live

How to take a strengths-based perspective:

1. Actively look for and point out strengths in the survivors
2. Encourage the survivors to use and build upon their identified strengths
3. Focus conversations away from deficits and towards strengths

Types of strengths to consider:

What is wrong with this person?

From:

A strengths-based perspective should underlie all interactions with the survivors and their children

Trauma-Informed Care Perspective

Understands, considers, and recognizes the pervasive nature of trauma, and promotes environments of healing and recovery as opposed to practices and services that may inadvertently re-traumatize individuals.

Requires a shift in thinking:

To...

From...

What happened to this person?

What is wrong with this person?

What is wrong with this person?

From:

*Remember - this is a shift in thinking, we don't want to actually ask these questions.

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

Trauma-Informed Care

Please watch this short video on the importance of using trauma-informed care. Note that additional videos will pop up at the end of the video. You do not need to watch these, but you can navigate to YouTube and watch additional videos on Trauma-Informed Care if you would like to!

Why Practice Trauma-Informed Care?

A trauma-informed perspective can...

• Provide a sense of safety for the survivor
• Actively avoid re-traumatizing the survivor
• Empower the survivor
• Create a safe physical and emotional environment
• Improve the social environment
• Create and sustain opportunities for choice, power, control, and autonomy
• Facilitate healing and resilience

https://www.aquilarecovery.com/blog/benefits-of-trauma-informed-care/

Four R's of Trauma-Informed Care

Resist re-traumatization by actively shaping the survivor's environments to avoid triggers and protect the survivor from further trauma,.

Resist Re-traumatization

Respond in a compassionate and respectful way by making adjustments to the survivor's environment and safety.

Respond

Recognize the symptoms of trauma and how it manifests in how an indivdual acts and engages.

Recognize

Somos seres visuales

Realize the widespread impact of trauma and understand how it impacts the emotional, social, behavioral, cognitive, physical, and mental health of individuals.

Realize

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

4. Collaboration

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency

1. Safety

6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

3. Peer Support

5. Empowerment, Voice, and Choice

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

1. Safety

Providing a physically safe setting and encouraging safe interpersonal interactions.

Examples of how Onehope Refuge encourages safety:

• We provide a safe home with appropriate security measures
• We monitor who is coming and going from the property
• We keep all personal information regarding the survivors and children locked, safe, and confidential

Examples of how you as a volunteer can encourage safety:

• Maintain confidentiality and refrain from telling other people stories about the women and children at Onehope Refuge
• Do not show up unscheduled to the property
• Engage in respectful and compassionate communication with the survivors and children

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

2. Trustworthiness & Transparency

Operations and interpersonal interactions are conducted with transparency with the goal of building and maintaining trust.

Note on how to interact with survivors

Don't tell them "You can trust me". Instead, show them with your actions that they can trust you. As survivors often have a history of being lied to and manipulated, it can be difficult for them to know who they can trust. Understand that their trust may not come quickly or easily.

Examples of how Onehope Refuge encourages trustworthiness:

• Listen actively to the needs of the survivors and children in our care and work to address them
• Clearly communicate our processes and procedures to ensure there are not surprises regarding expectations
• Admit when we are wrong about something and make amends

Examples of how you as a volunteer can encourage trustworthiness:

• Show that you care by showing up when you commit to do so
• Admit if you make a mistake in an interaction with a woman or child, take accountability, and apologize

Why is this important? Survivors need to know that the individuals seeking to help them are trustworthy in order to effectively engage.

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

3. Peer Support

Peer support involves creating opportunities for survivors to interact with others who have experienced trauma so that they can seek mutual support from one another.

Note on how to interact with survivors

This type of interaction focuses on shared experiences with trauma. As a volunteer, we ask that you do not share your personal traumas with the survivors, as the space is intended to be a healing environment for them.

It is all about valuing lived expertise and working together to promote healing!

Examples of how Onehope Refuge encourages peer support:

• Provide a collective space for survivors to heal together
• Provide opportunities for survivors at Onehope Refuge to engage with other survivors at partner organizations

Examples of how you as a volunteer can encourage peer support:

• Refrain from discussing your own traumatic experiences
• Encourage positive interactions among survivors

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

4. Collaboration

Examples of how Onehope Refuge encourages collaboration:

• Include the desires and goals of survivors in case management and individual support planning
• Work together with the survivors on maintaining the home

Examples of how you as a volunteer can encourage collaboration:

• Work together with the survivors in whatever engagement you have with them
• Treat the survivors as partners who can benefit from your teamwork instead of victims who need your direction
• Understand that positive, collegial interactions can have a therapeutic effect for the survivors

Staff, volunteers, and survivors have shared goals and level out power differences. All individuals act with mutual respect for one another.

Why is this important? A common lasting effect of trafficking is feelings of powerlessness and discomfort with authority. Collaboration helps create a safe and healing environment where the survivors can feel heard and supported in their own recovery.

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

5. Empowerment, Voice, & Choice

Provide opportunities for the survivors to exercise choice and speak for themselves, and ensure that the survivor's strengths and experiences are recognized and built upon.

Why is this important? Making choices and having a voice can help the survivors to regain a sense of control and build their resilience.

Examples of how Onehope Refuge encourages empowerment, voice, and choice:

• Support survivors in shared decision-making and provide opportunities for survivors to make choices regarding their own recovery
• Treat all survivors as the expert on their situation
• Check in regularly to ensure the survivors are feeling supported and heard

Examples of how you as a volunteer can encourage empowerment, voice, and choice:

• Avoid speaking or making decisions on behalf of the survivors - whenever possible, get their input on something that impacts them
• Point out when you notice the strengths of a survivor. Examples: "That painting is beautiful!" or "You did a great job communicating with your child just now, it's clear that you really love them!"

Note on how to interact with survivors

Be aware that decision fatigue can also occur! As many survivors have not been able to make decisions for themselves in the past, the sudden opportunity to do so can be overwhelming. Do not pressure a survivor to make a decision if she does not want to/feel ready to.

The goal is to facilitate recovery, not to control recovery

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

6. Cultural, Historical, & Gender Issues

Examples of how Onehope Refuge addresses cultural, historical, and gender issues:

• Incorporate policies and processes that are responsive to racial-, cultural-, and gender-specific needs of the survivors
• Recognize historical trauma that the survivors have experienced and seek to address it

Examples of how you as a volunteer can address cultural, historical, and gender issues:

• If the survivor wants to share about her culture, listen respectfully
• Check biases at the door - try not to make assumptions about the survivors due to their gender, race, age, or even their identification as a survivor of sex trafficking. Treat them each as the unique individual they are!

Be aware of and move past stereotypes and biases based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, religion, gender, etc.

SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach

Dos and Don'ts of Interacting with Survivors

Do

Don't

Talk to the survivor about appropriate topics

Ask the survivor about what happened to them

Do

Don't

Respect their personal space

Initiate physical touch (hugs, hand holding, etc.)

Do

Don't

Point out strengths you observe in the survivor

Point out shortcomings you observe in the survivor

Do

Don't

Show through your actions that you can be trusted

Tell the survivor to trust you

Do

Don't

Give the survivor the opportunity to make choices

Pressure the survivor to make a choice they aren't ready for

Do

Don't

Follow through on commitments you make

Show up without being scheduled to do so

These are just a few examples, if you have any questions about specific situations, please ask an OHR staff member!

Intent vs. Impact

Intent

Impact

Impact is what we achieve. It is the results of what we do or what we say - it is how our actions or words are perceived.

Intent is what we mean to do. It is the motivation or purpose of our actions or conversations.

vs.

Even if we have good intentions, our words and actions may have a harmful impact to the survivors and their children. So, it is important that we keep in mind both our intent and the potential impact of the things we say and do at all times.

Examples of Intent vs. Impact

It is common to experience instances where someone had good intentions but there was a harmful impact. Here are a few examples to highlight this phenomemon:

1. Spilling hot coffee on someone. Your intent was good, as you were trying to be helpful and give them coffee; however, the impact was harm, as the coffee burned the individual.
2. Offering unsolicited parenting advice. Your intent could be good, as you were trying to teach the parent a new, and potentially better way to approach an issue; however, the impact could be experienced as a judgmental, controlling, or rude.
3. Sharing a personal story. Your intent could be good, as you were trying to be empathetic and relate to a struggle someone else has experienced; however, the impact could be experienced as triggering to the listener.

Ultimately, everything we do is in support of the women and children, so the impact of our words and actions always matters.

Responding to Unintentional Harm Caused

Remember: you cannot always be aware of how someone will experience/react to your words and actions. So, it is important that you are prepared to respond to unintentionally harmful impacts. This is about accountability and trustworthiness, not blame or punishment. You are not a bad person or bad volunteer if this happens. Instead, it is an opportunity for you to learn and grow as an advocate and supporter of the survivors and their children!

Lets take the example of providing unsolicited parenting advice and look at how someone can go about effectively communicating after causing unintentional harm:

1. Attempt to understand the other person’s perception - "Can you explain to me why this upset you?"
2. Acknowledge that the result of our action didn’t match the intent - "My intention was not to upset you, but I understand that it did."
3. Take responsibility for the inadvertent consequence of our actions - "I understand that me providing unsolicited parenting advice made you feel like I'm judging you or that I think you're a bad mother."
4. Offer a straightforward apology - "I apologize for providing unsolicited advice like that. I see now how that upset you and I will work to avoid doing that again."

Strategies for Avoiding Re-Traumatization

Be Mindful

Be Prepared to Adapt

Be Aware

Be Willing to Repair

Be prepared to adjust your words and behaviors to better support the survivors.

Be aware of potential unintended impacts of the interactions you have with a survivor.

Be mindful of what you say and do and how it may be received by the survivors.

If you make a mistake, be willing to take accountability, apologize, and work to repair the relationship.

Each individual is unique and has their own unique needs and triggers. As much as we would love to tell you one way to act that would be experienced as supportive by all survivors, that isn't reality. So, we ask that you remain flexible and open to adapting as needed to fit the needs of our survivors and their children.

Remember the difference between intent vs. impact. We believe you have pure intentions and a true desire to support these women and children, so we ask that you remain aware that despite this pure intent, your words and/or actions may lead to a negative impact at some point. By remaining aware of this possibility, you will be able to pay closer attention to the impact of your interactions.

Think about the potential consequences of things you say to the survivors. Be mindful of the fact that their past likely has many traumatic experiences, so avoid asking questions about their past in general. Instead, try to focus your conversations on the present or the future, and stick to positive concepts.

We're all human! You may say or do something that a survivor experiences as triggering or coercive. If that happens, we ask that you remain open to engaging in conversation about the incident, apologize to the survivor, and work to repair the relationship with the survivor. Onehope Refuge's staff is always happy to help support in this.

Adapted from Office for Victims of Crime, Training & Technical Assistance Center

Tips for Interacting with Traumatized Individuals

Practice supportive interaction techniques.

Do not force the survivor to talk about it.

Some people may wait years to speak about trauma.

Healing takes time and is unique to the individual.

Everyone heals differently and has their own ways of coping.

Respect multiple coping styles. This could include humor, venting, self-distraction, or other coping mechanisms.

Survivors who choose not to talk about trauma can be just as healthy as those who do. Remember - do not ask a survivor about their trauma!

Reasons might include fear of being labeled a victim or a past experience of being blamed.

Avoid saying that a trauma survivor should just "let it go" and move on.

Strive to be nonjudgmental. Point out the person's strengths. Try not to minimize. Allow for silence. Reflect the emotion being described ("It sounds like...", "No wonder you feel...""). Join in enjoyable activities to help establish a normal routine.

https://nnedv.org/spotlight_on/understanding-importance-trauma-informed-care/

Section 3 Knowledge Check 1/5

Incorrect, please try again!

Guilt

Idealization of the perpetrator

Which of the following can be a symptom of trauma?

Self-destructive behavior

All of the above

Section 3 Knowledge Check 2/5

Incorrect, please try again!

Flight

Failure

Which of the following is NOT a trauma response?

Fawn

Section 3 Knowledge Check 3/5

Incorrect, please try again!

Tell them everything they need to do and when to do it.

Collaborate with them to figure out their strengths, goals, and desires.

Which of the following is an appropriate way to interact with a survivor?

Ask them a lot of questions about their traumatic experiences.

Section 3 Knowledge Check 4/5

Incorrect, please try again!

True

True or False: All sex trafficking survivors have the same experience and effects of trauma.

False

Section 3 Knowledge Check 5/5

Incorrect, please try again!

Sheltering

Safety

Which of the following is NOT a key principle of trauma-informed care?

Empowerment, Voice, & Choice

What's Next?

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Please download this Certificate of Completion, add your name on the award line, and return it to volunteer@onehoperefuge.org so we can document your completion of this training. If you are unable to download the certificate, send us an email asking for the certificate and we can send you a copy. Once you confirm to Onehope Refuge that you have completed this training, we will schedule an in-person onboarding session for you to attend. Then you will be ready to start volunteering!

Congratulations! You have completed the Onehope Refuge volunteer online training. We are so excited to get you started as a volunteer!