Trauma-Informed Care for Survivors of Domestic Violence
One of the most common questions asked about survivors of domestic violence is why they remain in abusive relationships. It may be more helpful, however, to consider another question: “What barriers prevent them from leaving?” This shift in perspective can lead to more effective support and improved outcomes. It reflects a deeper understanding of survivors’ experiences and opens the door to meaningful dialogue about the steps needed to achieve safety.
Trauma-specific treatments for experiences such as domestic violence are often conflated with trauma-informed care, though they are distinct. Trauma-informed care is not a specific service, treatment model, or protocol; rather, it is an overarching approach to understanding and supporting others. Lauren Garder developed this training to help professionals understand how trauma and adversity shape how we think, communicate, and engage with survivors.
In this training, Garder explores:
- The dynamics and impact of domestic violence
- The effects of trauma on the brain, body, and behavior
- The importance of responding with compassion, safety, and empowerment
Participants gain the tools and perspectives necessary to provide trauma-informed support to survivors and to contribute to trauma-informed organizational cultures. Through this training, participants also strengthen their ability to foster trust, reduce retraumatization—the experience of situations that cause one to re-experience aspects of a traumatic event—and create environments that promote healing and resilience.
Interactive Follow-Up Meeting
Attendees are invited to join an open discussion 15 minutes following the end of the training, where you can engage with fellow attendees by turning on your camera and microphone. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and contribute to a meaningful exchange of ideas. Time will be allocated to address questions or insights from the training. Please note that attendance is optional and will not affect your eligibility for a training certificate.
1) Describe how trauma impacts survivors’ emotional, physical, and behavioral responses
2) Recognize the signs and effects of trauma and apply trauma-informed communication strategies that promote safety, trust, and autonomy
3) Identify ways to reduce retraumatization and create supportive environments through compassionate, survivor-centered practices
Audience
This training is primarily for professionals who work with adults affected by domestic violence. This includes psychologists, social workers, counselors, and therapists. Other professionals in domestic violence and sexual abuse prevention–program staff, advocates, case managers, probation and parole, etc.—will also benefit from this training.
Content Level
Disclosure
Cancellations
Continuing Education Approval
American Psychological Association (APA)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc. is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Safer Society Foundation, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Safer Society Foundation, Inc., provider #233, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 6/6/2026-6/6/2029. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.
Who's Presenting
Lauren Garder, MA LPC
Lauren Garder is a Licensed Professional Counselor working in Oklahoma City, OK with 10+ years of experience in mental health and victim services. Lauren previously worked for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the Senior Manager of Zero Suicide and Trauma Care, overseeing the expansion of trauma informed service systems and Zero Suicide Initiatives across the State. During Lauren’s time with the ODMHSAS, Lauren implemented a first of its kind in the nation partnership between a State agency and Family Justice Center to implement a “no wrong door” approach to serving survivors with mental health and substance use disorders and enhancing partnerships between certified victim service providers and community mental health and addiction recovery agencies. Lauren served as the State’s subject matter expert on trauma and specifically supported multiple federal grants as the subject matter expert on trauma and human trafficking. Lauren is CAMS trained (Collaborative Assessment for the Management of Suicidality) and enjoys working with victim service providers to enhance screening, support, and awareness for survivors who experience suicidality.
Lauren currently works in private practice providing individual therapy, training, consultation, and expert witness services. Lauren’s clinical work is mostly with survivors of chronic traumas, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She has also worked in shelter, transitional, and inpatient settings in Oklahoma and Colorado. Lauren enjoys training on topics related to trauma, trauma informed care, and the intersections of victimization and mental health. As an expert witness, Lauren provides testimony and consultation in federal, state, and civil matters regarding domestic violence and trauma. Lauren has the honor of currently serving on the Oklahoma Crime Victims Compensation Board and previously served almost five years on the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.