Search

Let's Talk: Invisible Disabilities
National Runaway Safeline
September 2023
This podcast between National Runaway Safeline Youth Advisory Board members EJ Velez & Rachel Litchman discusses invisible disabilities and navigating the healthcare system as a young person experiencing homelessness.
Dating Abuse in Disability Communities
Love is Respect
This article discusses how abuse is about power and control, and people with disabilities can face unique barriers to accessing support.
Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect
MiVAN
March 2024
The physical and psychological scars left by child abuse and neglect can span a lifetime. The importance of prevention and early intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect cannot be overstated.
Know How to Respond to Teen Dating Violence
MiVAN
February 2024
As advocates, we have to know what to look for, how to talk about dating violence with the young people in our lives, how to prevent it, and how to lend our support to those experiencing it.
Trafficking Happens Right Before Our Eyes
MiVAN
January 2024
Human trafficking is sometimes considered a hidden crime, but the reality is that it happens right before our eyes. That's why it is critical to be able to identify the signs of trafficking, to know how and where to report it, and to understand how to support survivors.
What Is Critical Race Theory?
Perlago
This educational and informative article defines Critical Race Theory (CRT), including its origins and key principles; explains its relevance to today’s society (i.e. Black Lives Matter, educational policies involving CRT, etc.); and discusses the future of CRT.
Stalking Behaviors Can Look Different Across Communities
MiVAN
December 2023
It's vital that we recognize stalking as its own crime, become aware of the specific stalking strategies, and know how stalking behaviors can look unique and affect communities in unique ways in order to respond and support early and appropriately.
Vicarious Trauma with Dr. Rebecca Campbell
Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (NCEDSV)
November 2022
In this webinar, Dr. Rebecca Campbell will explain the effect of vicarious trauma on the brain, including how the body and brain respond to trauma, and how it affects those in professions with high levels of vicarious trauma.
Self-Care is Essential for Advocates
MiVAN
November 2023
Crime victim advocacy is a workspace where trauma, illness, discrimination, violence, victim blaming, and other soul-injuring happenstances are things we hear about frequently. This month, we created a complication of resources and trainings from within the last year centered around self-care. These resources discuss changes that organizations and individuals can make to promote advocate wellbeing.
Planning to Respond Well to Emergencies at Programs: Part 2
Confidentiality Institute
May 2023
This webinar focuses on confidentiality issues that arise at emergency situations at local programs, particularly when the emergency arrives from an outside entity.
Addressing System Barriers to Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
MiVAN
September 2023
Knowing how to help survivors navigating these systems can be a crucial and sparsely discussed piece of advocacy work. We created a complication of resources and trainings from within the last year centered around domestic violence advocacy, including how to address some of these barriers as an advocate.
Close up of a box containing forensic evidence
Collaborative Change
MiVAN Team
September 2023
In this season of Paper to Practice, we focus on the findings from two research articles working with survivors of the Detroit sexual assault kit stockpile. Featured experts are Rebecca Campbell, Ph.D. and Katie Gregory, Ph.D.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome Supportive Therapy
Alcohol Rehab Help
July 2023
This web-article discusses alcohol withdrawal syndrome, including the distinction from a hangover, signs and causes, and which therapy modalities can be effective in its treatment.
It's okay to talk about suicide
MiVAN
September 2023
Suicide is tragic, and we don't often talk about it in crime victim advocacy. According to SAMHSA, "Asking a loved one about suicide will not make them suicidal. In fact, the person who may be thinking of suicide may feel relieved to be asked about it and grateful to have a safe place to share their thoughts." So, it’s time we talk about suicide.
What Is Child Abuse and Neglect? Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Childwelfare.gov
View this guide that includes definitions of child abuse and neglect, major types of child abuse and neglect, signs and symptoms, when to report, and more.
Lean On Me: A caregiver’s guide to safeguarding children and supporting healing from sexual abuse
RAINN
“Designed to inform, guide, and educate caregivers to safeguard children from online and in-person grooming, help create a safe space to support and validate a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse, and be a healing presence for them in the event sexual abuse has occurred.”
The Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities
Childwelfare.gov
This informative guide overviews maltreatment of children with disabilities and discusses some unique risks with a focus on preventative strategies using a multi-level approach.
MDHHS CPS Reporting Process
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
This website includes information about mandated reporting (including information about how, what, and where to report), potential indicators of physical neglect and abuse and sexual abuse, and in depth information about the investigation process once a report is made.
Introduction to Youth Hate Crimes and Hate Groups
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
November 2021
An overview of hate crime prevalence and law, history of hate groups, how hate exists in the digital space, how social media and group dynamics facilitate recruitment, commonalities and intervention points for youth who may be considering violence.
Hate Crime Threat Guide
Department of Justice (DOJ)
February 2018
This guide is something an advocate can provide to clients and have on hand to talk about what constitutes a “true threat”, which is not protected by the first amendment.
Michigan Hate Crimes
Department of Justice (DOJ)
This website shows hate crime incidents specific to Michigan, including statistics, case examples, news reports, and resources in the state.
In Elder Abuse Cases, Restorative Justice Holds the Promise of Honoring Relationships
American Bar Association (ABA)
May 2022
This article from ABA discusses how the restorative justice movement may find a place in cases of elder abuse. They talk about some elders’ distrust of traditional systems, how restorative justice could be used in the US but faces barriers, and overviews some promising programs.
Tips For Healthcare Professionals: Coping with Stress and Compassion Fatigue
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
These wellness strategies include maintenance of physical health, strengthening social connections, and activities to help advocates relax, process, and reconnect. This resource also provides tips for managers, advice on when to seek professional support, and additional resources.
Stress Management Techniques, Healthy Coping Strategies, Breathing Exercise
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
January 2020
This 8-minute video includes definitions and an overview of compassion fatigue, traumatic stress, and the signs and symptoms for advocates. This video also provides a walkthrough of the 4-7-8 breathing exercise.
Research Brief: Homicide Co-Victimization
Center for Victim Research
This factsheet gives an overview of homicide co-victimization, what harm is experienced by survivors, talks about the limited services available, and talks about what else is needed to help the field grow.
Suggestions for Survivors of Murder
Survivors of Homicide, Inc.
This tipsheet is meant to be shared with survivors of murder. It validates and normalizes what a survivor may be feeling, tries to break down stereotypes of grief and healing, and offers gentle suggestions for taking care of themselves.
Speaking with survivors of homicide
Survivors of Homicide, Inc.
This is a tip sheet for advocates and others when talking with survivors of homicide. It provides helpful statements and examples of often-used statements that can be discounting and should be avoided with explanations as to why.
Sibling Grief
Survivors of Homicide, Inc.
This tipsheet talks specifically about someone who loses their sibling through homicide and the grief that can accompany the loss of that unique bond. It talks about symptoms of grief, gives suggestions for parents on how to support their surviving children, points out actions that may not be helpful.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
This critical resource offers free, confidential support nationwide for those people in distress and crisis. They are available 24/7 over the phone (988), text (988) or through online chat. Their website offers additional resources, including resources for professionals, stories of recovery and hope, and topic specific resources.
How to deal with self harm
Crisis Text Line
This short webpage talks about self harm, not necessarily as a suicide attempt, but as a way to release painful emotions. It talks about different types of self harm, symptoms, effects, and recovery.
Helping your loved one who is suicidal: A guide for family and friends
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
January 2021
This compassionate guide tackles myths about suicide in an effort to increase understanding of the issue, discusses risk and protective factors, warning signs, offers suggestions on how to help a loved one, and offers many resources that can help.
Suicide Prevention: Resource for Action
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
January 2022
This comprehensive resource provides seven evidence-based suicide prevention strategies, discusses the rationale and evidence supporting their efficacy, explains how to implement the approaches to each strategy, and explores potential outcomes.
Serving Survivors of Homicide
MiVAN
August 2023
"1 in 10 Americans will lose a loved one to homicide during their lifetime" (Center for Victim Research, 2018). When homicide occurs, it is expected that law enforcement and then the justice system will hold offenders accountable. Where does that leave those 33 million survivors who are still grieving?
Hate Crimes Affect Us All
MiVAN
July 2023
Most of us understand what a hate crime is. But do you know indicators of a hate crime? The varied impacts hate crime can have on survivors and the community? The 200+ symbols and definitions of extremism? There's a lot more to learn about these crimes than what we often hear about in the media.
Immigration Considerations for Crime Victims
MiVAN
June 2023
Resources for navigating legal considerations of immigrant and refugee victims of crime. U Visa resources available in Español.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day: June 15
MiVAN
June 2023
Unfortunately, elder abuse is an all-too-common experience for many. Age can be a great equalizer. It comes to most of us in time, so it’s time to learn more in order to address and prevent this crime.
Upcoming Virtual Workshops
MiVAN's "Advocacy Tools for Healing Trauma" workshops are back! Learn more and register for an upcoming date.
Recognizing Missing & Murdered Indigenous People
Division of Victim Services (DVS)
May 2023
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day is on May 5 and provides just one opportunity to honor the countless lives that have been lost while elevating the need for greater awareness to address violence against Indigenous communities – particularly women and girls.
For Victims of Crime
MiVAN
Are you a victim or survivor looking for help? Check out these national, state, and local resources.
Updated Confidentiality Course (2023) available now
MiVAN
This updated course will help advocates learn how to handle survivor/client information. It covers topics such as: personal and identifying information, releases of information, mandated disclosures, and specific details covering the scope of the regulations.
Mental Health Always Matters
MiVAN
May 2023
We hear and bear witness to our clients' experiences of being victims of crime, violence, and trauma. We offer support where and when we can, including mental health support...
Resources for Communities Impacted by the MSU Shooting
MiVAN
These resources include trainings, infosheets, and handouts to share with clients on trauma-informed tools that can promote recovery and healing in both the community and in advocates themselves.
SAAM Resource Round-up
MiVAN
April 2023
Resource round-up for Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023.
Child Abuse Prevention Resource Round-up
MiVAN
March 2023
Learn more about advocating for Indigenous youth, talking about trauma with children, preventing maltreatment of children with disabilities, and safe-guarding youth from online predators.
Talking with Teens about Dating Violence
MiVAN
February 2023
Teen dating violence can be a challenging area for advocates to work in because it combines different field areas with a unique population and can add complications such as complex family dynamics, neurobiology and brain development, confidentiality, the legal and education systems, and more. Thankfully, this compilation of trainings and resources can help provide insight into this complex topic.
"Oh, yeah...and stalking." It's time we paid more attention.
MiVAN
January 2023
Stalking is one of the four crimes acknowledged in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). It's often the one tacked on at the end, the one with fewest stand-alone resources for survivors, and the one providers and advocates are least trained in responding to. It's time to change that.
How We Can Support Survivors Of Human Trafficking
MiVAN
December 2022
7 of the best and newest resources that offer practical advice for advocates working with survivors of human trafficking.
Identifying and Preventing Gender and Intersectional Bias in Law Enforcement Responses to Domestic and Sexual Violence
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)
January 2022
"The purpose of this special collection is to compile resources focused on improving the law enforcement responses to domestic violence and sexual assault."
office for victims of crime
Elder Fraud Hotline
Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)
This hotline is a free resource created by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office for Victims of Crime for people to report fraud against anyone age 60 or older.
national center on elder abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
The NCEA provides the latest information regarding research, training, best practices, news and resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation to professionals and the public.