Survivors’ Input Wanted: 
Developing Resources for Advocacy Agencies Working With Survivors of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence

My name is Jennifer and I work with the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs.  We are a nonprofit group that supports the excellent work done by the community sexual assault programs throughout the state.  As you know, sexual assault and domestic violence programs often don’t have all the information they need to adequately support survivors of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (IPSV).

I am working on two projects for which I would really like some input from survivors of IPSV. I strongly believe that survivors themselves possess a great deal of wisdom about what helps them to heal.  Here are some of the questions for which I would really appreciate feedback:

You may send your reply via the following options:

• Support Group Facilitators’ Manual
• Have you participated in any kind of support group – for sexual assault survivors, domestic violence survivors, or specifically for survivors of intimate partner sexual violence?
• Your reply:



• What was your experience like in the group?
• Your reply:



• If you were in a more general sexual assault or domestic violence group, did you feel your specific needs as an IPSV survivor were met?
• Your reply:



• If not, what would have made one of these general groups more responsive to your needs?
• Your reply:



• If you were in a group only for intimate partner sexual violence survivors, please tell me what you liked and did not like about that experience?
• Your reply:



• Are there any topics or activities you would suggest for an IPSV support group or to be incorporated into a general support group?
• Your reply:



• Are there any suggestions you would like to give to people who want to run these groups?
• Your reply:

• Training Curriculum on Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
  This will be a resource for people who want to provide training to sexual assault and domestic violence advocates on intimate partner sexual violence.


• What do you think it is most important for advocates to know?
• Your reply:



• Have you had particularly good or bad experiences with advocates working for sexual assault or domestic violence agencies?  If so, please describe.
• Your reply:



• What do sexual assault and/or domestic violence agencies need to do in order to better meet the needs of IPSV survivors?
• Your reply:



• Are there any aspects of your own experience you would like to share so that advocates can learn how to help survivors?
• Your reply:



• If you are a survivor who is also an advocate, what concerns have surfaced for you?
• Your reply:

Please indicate whether you are willing to have me quote your comments in the materials I am developing, and if so, whether you wish to remain anonymous or to have your name provided.  I must complete these projects soon, so I would be grateful for a prompt response.  Thank you in advance for any help you are willing to provide.  Survivors’ voices are important!

Please send information to me by email:  Jennifer@wcsap.org

or by regular mail:
Jennifer Y. Levy-Peck
Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
4317 6th Avenue, Suite 102
Olympia, WA  98503
USA