10 am—3 pm                                                                                                                        

May 10, YWCA, Lynchburg

May 24, Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence, Fredericksburg   

May 27, Family Resource Center, Wytheville

July 7, YWCA, Norfolk

July 20, Women's Resource Center, Radford

July 22, Alexandria Public Library, Alexandria

Sexual and Domestic Violence agencies face many challenges providing services to women who have been criminally charged. Relationships with law enforcement and prosecutors take on a new dimension. Community members with images of 'deserving' victims may question the work. Our own values may be challenged when sexual and domestic violence survivors use violence themselves.

This facilitated discussion will explore our personal and agency expectations and values. We will talk about the realities of working with victims who have been criminally charged, including the impact on collaboration and public relations. Advocates will explore strategies for working effectively on behalf of this often underserved group of victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Cost: $15