“The Intersections of Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Substance Use Coercion”
Webinar Training Series
Session 1 – “Integrating Wellness: Self-Care and Organizational Support in Crisis Response”
October 7, 2026 from 12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Session 2 – “Reclaiming Power: Understanding and Responding to Mental Health and Substance Use Coercion”
October 14, 2026 from 12:30 pm–2:00 pm
Session 3 – “Building Safety, Recovery, and Community Support at the Intersections of Mental Health and Substance Use Coercion”
October 21, 2026 from 12:30 pm–2:00 pm
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for “The Intersections of Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Substance Use Coercion” webinar training series.
Session Descriptions
“Integrating Wellness: Self-Care and Organizational Support in Crisis Response”
In this interactive session, we will explore how trauma can affect both survivors and staff. Together, we will consider practical strategies for creating services that are Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma-Informed (ACRTI) while supporting staff well-being and reducing the impacts of secondary trauma. Reflective practice will be explored as part of ongoing organizational support and staff well-being. Using the Guide for Emotional Support and trauma-informed communication, we will practice ways to build emotional safety. Scenario discussions will help us connect these ideas to our work and identify practical ways to strengthen emotional safety and support.
Learning Objectives
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe how trauma can affect emotional safety and well-being for survivors and staff.
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Use the Guide for Emotional Support and trauma-informed communication strategies to support emotional safety.
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Identify Accessible, Culturally Responsive, and Trauma-Informed (ACRTI) strategies to enhance survivor and staff well-being.
“Reclaiming Power: Understanding and Responding to Mental Health and Substance Use Coercion”
In this interactive session, we will explore the connections between domestic violence, trauma, mental health, substance use, and coercion. Together, we will examine what mental health and substance use coercion can look like and discuss ways to respond with safety, respect, and without judgment. The mental health and substance use coercion palm cards will be used to facilitate safe conversations and make connections with desired resources.
Learning Objectives
After this session, attendees will be able to:
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Describe the connections between domestic violence, trauma, mental health, substance use, and coercion.
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Recognize common forms and impacts of mental health and substance use coercion.
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Use the mental health and substance use coercion palm cards to support safe conversations and connections to desired resources.
“Building Safety, Recovery, and Community Support at the Intersections of Mental Health and Substance Use Coercion”
In this interactive session, we will build on earlier sessions by exploring ways to support survivor-defined safety, recovery, and connection to community. Together, we will take a deeper look at safety planning, harm reduction, Recovery Capital, and the SASS (Safety, Attachment, Self-regulation, and Self-esteem) framework for supporting safe parenting. Through scenario discussions, we will apply these approaches and consider how strengths, relationships, resources, and community connections can support safety and well-being.
Learning Objectives
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe how harm reduction and Recovery Capital can support survivor-defined safety, autonomy, and well-being.
- Apply the Drug/Risk, Set, and Setting framework to individualized safety planning.
- Identify ways to strengthen safety, parenting, recovery, and community support by building on strengths and existing resources.
Participant Registration and Cost: This training series is free. Participants need to register in advance for the training. Please visit here to register. You only need to register once for all sessions.
Presenter:
Amanda Lyon, LCSW is the Training and Technical Assistance Manager for the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of domestic and sexual violence, behavioral health, and holistic healing, Amanda develops trauma-informed training and implementation resources for behavioral health providers, domestic and sexual violence programs, hotlines, coalitions, and community partners.
Grounded in a deep respect for lived experience and collective wisdom, Amanda is known for creating welcoming, reflective learning environments that support healing, connection, and systems change. Her commitment to culturally responsive care was shaped through her work with Alaska Native communities as a Rural Grant Specialist at the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.
Amanda holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. She is also a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and certified yoga instructor, with experience integrating mindfulness, embodied healing, and trauma-informed practices into her work across diverse communities.
Questions? Contact Tricia Everetts, Victims Services Training and Communication Coordinator, at tricia.everetts@dcjs.virginia.gov.