Unseen Advocates: The Vital Role of First Responders in DV Advocacy

This four-hour training will feature Jim Schmidt, a retired firefighter/EMT, who will use his 25 years' experience as a first responder and the devastating loss of Gabby to connect with first responders and share insights on trauma-informed care and service provision. Attendees will gain essential knowledge and skills to effectively respond to domestic violence incidents, with a focused emphasis on strangulation cases.

Info: The program explores how non-physical and physical forms of violence impact victims, how
trauma affects the brain and body, and why understanding these dynamics is vital for first
responders. Participants will learn how to recognize both visible and non-visible signs of
strangulation, apply trauma-informed practices, ensure scene safety, and accurately document
findings.
Through interactive discussion, data-driven insights, and scenario-based exercises, The Unseen
Advocates Program strengthens responder awareness, compassion, and collaboration, helping to ensure that no survivor remains unseen or unheard.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Stark County Domestic Violence Collaborative