Enhancing Indigenous Advocacy for Survivors of IPV Impacted by Trauma, Mental Health, and Substance Use

The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center hosted an in-person specialty institute in August 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Presentations addressed the complex intersections of intimate partner violence (IPV) with substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges that survivors experience. Survivors of domestic violence and IPV are challenged with many obstacles, especially navigating systems, finding safety, and accessing services. Additionally, survivors face increased abuse, violence, and sabotaging of recovery by current or former partners when they reach out and access resources. This specialty institute highlighted promising practices that showcase the critical need for: 

• Trauma-informed advocacy;
• Resilience-informed advocacy; and
• Culturally relevant advocacy.