Supporting a Loved One Who is a Survivor
This self-directed course will provide learners with the knowledge and skills to make a significant difference in the life of loved ones who experienced sexual violence as an adult or as a child.
How to use this course
Pre-Course Survey
Meet Your Instructor
Welcome To The Course
So, What Is Sexual Violence?
Course Outline
About Us: The Dragonfly Centre
Need A Mental Break?
Overview
Understanding Safety & Assessing Danger
How To Talk To Your Loved One About Suicide
How Agencies Can Help
Assignment (Participation Only)
Test your learning
Need A Break?
Overview
Words From A Survivor Of Sexual Violence
Intro and Components of T.A.L.K
Video: How To Support A Friend Who Has Experienced Sexual Violence
Caution: Unsupportive Statements & How to Apologize
Video: The Power Of Words When Responding To Disclosures Of Sexual Violence
Assignment: Victim Blaming Statements
Video: The Added Stigma That Men Face As Survivors
Assignment (Participation only)
Test your learning
Need A Break?
Overview
Impacts of Trauma
Video: Trauma & The Nervous System
Types of Trauma, Triggers & Trauma Responses
Video: Why Survivors Don't Respond The Way Others Might Expect
Grounding Exercises
Grounding Technique: Box Breathing
Grounding Technique: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 or 5 senses
Assignment (Participation Only)
Test your learning
Need A Break?
Overview
Video: Helping Others - Vicarious Trauma Animation
Your Beliefs & Expectations As A Support Person
Emotional Safety As A Support Person
Video: What is Vicarious Trauma Reviewed
Assignment (Participation only)
Test your learning
Need A Break?
Overview
Resilience & Neuroplasticity
Video: Resilience
Supporting Your Loved One To Heal & Healing Activities
Video: Benefits of Yoga for Healing Trauma
Video: "Creating Music Is Therapeutic for Me"
Video: Visual Arts for Healing
Video: Writing As Healing
Video: Indigenous Drumming for Healing
Video: Indigenous Beading for Healing
Types of Counseling That May Be Healing
Assignment (Participation Only)
Test your learning
References/Sources
Need A Break?
“This course was exactly what I needed. When my loved one shared their experience with me, I wanted to support them in every way possible, but I didn’t always know the right words to say or how to help without overstepping. Even though it was online it felt personal. I learned how to truly listen, respect their healing process, and take care of my own emotions along the way. I recommend it to any caregiver navigating this.”
“When my family member first told me about their experience, I didn’t respond the way I wish I had. I wanted to help, but I asked the wrong questions and said things that, without realizing it, made them feel worse. Taking this course helped me understand why my initial reaction wasn’t as supportive as I intended and gave me the tools to show up for them in a way that truly helps.”
“When my sibling first shared their experience with me, I wanted to support them, but I didn’t fully understand the impact of trauma. I could see they were struggling, but I didn’t always recognize the signs or know how to help. This [course] opened my eyes to the ways trauma can show up and how I can be there for them in meaningful ways. I’m so grateful for this [course] and the knowledge it gave me to show up with more patience, understanding, and hope.”
“I took this course to support a close friend, but I didn’t expect it to help me too. Hearing their experience brought back memories I thought I had dealt with years ago. I learned that I can reach out for support through Dragonfly [Centre], too, something I didn’t know before. This course gave me the tools to be there for my friend and to begin my own healing”