"Advocating for Military-Connected Survivors" Communities of Practice

What is it?

The “Advocating for Military-Connected Survivors” Communities of Practice (CoP) is a collaborative initiative designed to connect and empower service providers, advocates, and professionals working to support military-connected survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS). By bringing together experts and community members facing similar challenges, our CoPs foster resource sharing, innovative problem-solving, and the creation of a supportive network.

Each CoP will engage participants based on their focus areas, ensuring targeted support and opportunities to build capacity in supporting military-connected survivors of DVSAS. For questions, email [email protected].

Project Mission

To provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and culturally responsive training and technical assistance (TTA) that empowers legal personnel, victim advocates, and allied professionals to support military-connected survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS).

Who should join?

Who Should You Join?

CoPs are designed for professionals who may interact with military-connected survivors including:

► Community/System Advocates

► Victim Service Professionals

► Civilian Legal Personnel

► Healthcare Providers

► Social Service Providers

► Higher-Ed Institutions

► Law Enforcement Personnel

Free NOVA Membership!

PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A FREE NOVA MEMBERSHIP! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE BENEFITS OF A NOVA MEMBERSHIP!

What is the commitment?

Participants are expected to be available for all four sessions:

February 18, 2025: The Impact of Military Culture

March 12, 2025: Breaking Down the “Legal Stuff”

June 11, 2025: Collaborating for Change!

August 13, 2025: Paving the Way Forward!

All sessions are held virtually from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm EST

SEATS LIMITED TO 20 PARTICIPANTS!

What to expect when you join.

Because we want our time together to be driven by our facilitated discussion, each CoP may vary based on the needs of participants, with a shared focus on enhancing support for military-connected survivors. Participants can generally expect:

► Professional Development and Peer Learning: Engage in quarterly virtual meetings with subject matter experts and fellow practitioners.

► Focused Support and Guidance: Opportunities for one-on-one Q&A sessions with experts and tailored guidance for overcoming specific challenges.

► Resource Sharing and Innovation: Access and contribute to a repository of tools, templates and best practices tailors for military-connected communities.

► Collaborative Networking: Network with peers to enhance your skills and build meaningful connections.

Purpose of our CoP.

► Enhance Service Coordination: Improve collaboration between military and civilian services to ensure survivors receive comprehensive, culturally responsive support.

► Building Capacity for Supporting Military-Connected Survivors: Empower service providers and advocates with the knowledge and tools to address the unique needs of military-connected survivors.

► Foster Inclusivity and Innovation: Share new strategies and best practices for trauma-informed care and survivor-centered advocacy.

► Promote Equity and Accessibility: Focus on ensuring equity access to services and resources for all military-connected survivors, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Ava Ramirez-Ene, Ph.D.
Military Coordinated Community Response Senior Program Manager

Kimberly Henry, LMSW
Military Coordinated Community Response Program Manager

This project is supported by Award No. 15JOVW-22-GK-04039-MUMU, awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication, conference agenda, or product, are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Department of Justice.