Peace House 10 Week Fall Series: Understanding and Preventing Violence in the Time of COVID-19

Violence is the co-pandemic of COVID-19. All forms of violence from child abuse, domestic, interpersonal, and racial violence have escalated. In September, learn about the power one caring adult has on youth. In October, domestic violence awareness month, learn how violence reverberates from homes to our legal system. The series concludes in November with a look at the impact of trauma across the life span with a culminating presentation on Bystander Intervention for Adults, acquiring skills to intervene in unsafe and unhealthy relationships.

If you are interested in participating in this series of presentations, please contact the Peace House Director of Prevention and Education at leisa@peacehouse.org. She will send a ZOOM invite.

September Connecting with Youth

The Power of One Caring Adult

Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story. Research has shown that the best prevention for suicide risks, abusive relationships, and drug and alcohol abuse is the commitment of one caring adult. In this time of COVID-19, caring adults are essential as many students feel disconnected from school and social relationships. This series of 3 presentations will guide adults, from neighbors, coaches, youth leaders, teachers, parents, and grandparents, into creating supportive relationships with youth.

 Tue. • Sept. 15 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Building Trust

Basic Trust is the foundation to growth. Without trust a young mind focuses on safety, basic needs, and protection rather than learning, investigating, and curiosity. Learn how to foster trust in relationships with youth.

Tue. • Sept. 22 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Holding Boundaries

Every action sends a message to those around us about our personal and professional boundaries. Boundaries are a declaration of expectations and an agreed-upon way to work together. Learn how to set clear boundaries and strengthen relationships with youth in your life.

Tue. • Sept. 29 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

October Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Gaslighting and Reactive Abuse

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that manipulates a victim to question their sanity. Abusers often use gaslighting and other controlling tactics to shift the blame onto victims.

Tue. •Oct. 6 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Racial Inequity and Interpersonal Violence 

While IPV occurs across classes, races, religions, cultures, and genders, it manifests uniquely for victims of color and other marginalized groups. Racial inequity creates additional barriers for marginalized survivors trying to access support and systems intending to protect them.

Tue. •Oct. 13 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Sexual Assault in the Legal System

An examination of law in the United States regarding sexual violence shows a gradual shift in society’s attitude towards it. This presentation reviews the evolution of how the legal system serves survivors and approaches cases of sexual assault.

Tue. •Oct. 20 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Romanticizing Abuse

Media, movies, and music consumed by all ages often disguise unhealthy relationships, coercion, and violence as romantic pursuit. The portrayal of the harmful behaviors further normalize abuse, gender norms, and toxic relationships.

Tue. • Oct. 27 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

November Trauma Informed Care

Concepts of Trauma

Age and other factors influence the impact trauma has on a life. Participants can attend a single class or attend all four. The first class explores how trauma is experienced through the senses and its impact on the body and brain. Strategies for dealing with trauma responses are provided.

Tue. • Nov. 3 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Transforming Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) into Resiliency Skills

Twenty years ago, Kaiser Permanente Health Network in California asked questions about childhood trauma events. In this class, details of this study and the impact of trauma across the lifespan are considered. Participants will learn what toxic stress is and the variety of ways it manifests in individuals while also learning strategies and resources for building resiliency in self and others.

Tue. • Nov. 10 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom

Bystander Intervention

The “Bystander Effect” refers to the phenomenon of people being less likely to involve themselves in situations when others are present. This presentation gives people the tools to safely and effectively step in to defuse potentially harmful situations.

Tue. • Nov. 17 • 5:00 – 6:00pm
Zoom