Janice Miller

[Janice Miller]

I came across this article from MilitaryOneSource that has really helpful tips about how to document online abuse.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/family-life/preventing-abuse-neglect/document-technology-misuse

I once also had a client who took screen shots of her emails and texted them to her sister.  When her partner figured out how to delete her email account, she still had a record.

[Janice Miller]

The Battered Women’s Justice Project has produced this short 7 minute video on ways abusive partners are using coercive control in the pandemic.  You can access it here: Coercive Control During COVID-19: New Tactics.

Do these tactics resonate with what you are hearing from survivors?

[Janice Miller]

Hello all,  This is a re-post from the NNEDV Safety Net Project:

“This is an extremely vulnerable time for survivors, and abusers are using it as an excuse to find new ways to exert control. While some of these tactics may be new and based on the public health crisis, the dynamics of power and control remain the same. Read the newest blog post from the Safety Net Project on Coercive Control During the Pandemic: How Abusers Are Using New Tactics to Exert Power and Control.   ”

What do you think? Are these really new tactics or is the pandemic just providing a new appreciation for them?  For example, long before the pandemic, survivors have shared that their partner was unreliable with childcare.  Thoughts?

[Janice Miller]

Good morning!

There is a lot of controversy on whether and what types of face masks work.  I have included a link here to a fairly comprehensive fact check assessment of the issue.  If you don’t have time to read it, the take away is this:

“For those who choose to wear a mask, Feng recommended learning the proper technique to reduce accidental infection from the mask itself. As demonstrated in a WHO video, the key is to not to touch the outside of the mask — and to wash your hands if you do. The CDC also offers advice and a few patterns for those creating their own masks. But most critically, don’t think a mask protects you or exempts you from social distancing or hand washing. As Feng told us, it’s “better to stay home.””

Here is the link to the full article.

https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/covid-19-face-mask-advice-explained/

[Janice Miller]

Thanks for sharing that resource Stephanie.  It is always interesting to me (and a bit disheartening) how abusive partners can continue to find new ways to control and abuse their partners.  I also worry about the compounding stress and anxiety that survivors may feel as they manage the abuse in their lives and the constant barrage of negative news stories.  I found this brief article online about ways to cope with what they are calling “Headline Stress Disorder”.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327516#Take-a-break-from-the-news

[Janice Miller]

Here is an interesting article:

When home isn’t safe: What the coronavirus pandemic means for domestic violence survivors

https://www.vox.com/2020/3/26/21193814/coronavirus-domestic-violence-shelters-covid-19-abuse

[Janice Miller]

The last couple of weeks have been quite a whirlwind!  How are folks doing?  Our latest challenge is finding key supplies like paper towels and toilet paper, basic cleaning supplies and bleach – without markup.  What are some other challenges folks are facing?

[Janice Miller]

Webinar 4:

For Advocates:

Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Friday, March 27 at 2pm Eastern

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET | 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT| 12:00 – 1:00 PM MT| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

 

 

This webinar is meant for front-line advocates who are navigating using technology to continue providing support to survivors. Whether answering hotline calls, hosting online support groups, or facilitating a forum discussion; this webinar will look at the challenges and opportunities raised by tele/online-support services. Many of the skills needed are those advocates already have – we’ll look at how the existing skills of empathy and active listening translate to online spaces. We’ll also explore considerations for ensuring informed consent, prioritizing privacy and confidentiality, and maintaining tech security.

Presenters: Corbin Streett (Safety Net, NNEDV); Rachel Gibson (Safety Net, NNEDV), Stacey Sarver (Women’s Law, NNEDV)

 

To register, please follow this link

[Janice Miller]

Webinar 3:

 For IT Staff:

Privacy Matters: Working Remotely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

 

Friday, March 27

12:00 – 1:00 PM ET|11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT|10:00 – 11:00 AM MT|9:00 – 10:00 AM PT

 

 

This webinar will be a dedicated space for IT professionals to discuss how technology needs to be designed and implemented for victim service agencies who are navigating important and strict confidentiality obligations. A seasoned IT professional who has specialized in focusing on victim service programs will respond to questions.

Presenters:  Steven Jenkins (EmpowerDB); Toby Shulruff (Safety Net, NNEDV)

 

To register, please follow this link.

[Janice Miller]

Webinar 2:

For Decision Makers:

 Privacy Matters: Working Remotely During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Wednesday, March 25

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET | 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT| 12:00 – 1:00 PM MT| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

 

Meant specifically for organization decision makers, this webinar will dive into the most important pieces we need to consider when implementing technology to work remotely. As programs and communities continue to adjust to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, decisions are being made quickly in regards to how we effectively do our jobs while maintaining social distancing. This webinar will explore the tools available for remote work that specifically offer the privacy and security options necessary for programs working with survivors. Although the content will be focused for those who are making decisions around technology and services, anyone who is using these technologies are also welcome to join.

Presenter: Toby Shulruff (Safety Net, NNEDV); Laura Penney-Edwards (Safe Passage)

 

 

To register, please follow this link

[Janice Miller]

Webinar 1:

For Decision-Makers:

Using Technology to Communicate with Survivors During the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Tuesday, March 24

2:00 – 3:00 PM ET | 1:00 – 2:00 PM CT| 12:00 – 1:00 PM MT| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

 

Meant specifically for organization decision makers, this webinar will dive into the most important pieces we need to consider when implementing technology to communicate with survivors. As programs and communities continue to adjust to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, decisions are being made quickly in regards to how we continue offering support and services to survivors while maintaining social distancing. This webinar will focus specifically on the considerations for digital services to ensure that communication with survivors using technology is upholding confidentiality and privacy. Although the content will be focused for those who are making decisions around technology and services, anyone who is using these technologies are also welcome to join.

Presenters: Safety Net Senior Technology Specialist, Toby Shulruff (NNEDV); Safety Net Technology Specialist, Corbin Streett (NNEDV); Director of Community Engagement, Laura Penney-Edwards (Safe Passage)

 

To register, please follow this link

[Janice Miller]

The big questions of the day:

Who has a surge plan in place?

• We are currently exploring on-boarding a couple of people to work as back up on call for the next 2 months.

Anyone have a good lead on where to get protective masks for people experiencing symptoms?

Does your area’s Shelter in Place order include actual guidance on what that looks like for Shelters?

• We did get a letter in writing from the Governor’s office that indicates Shelter and Hotline workers are essential staff in case they are stopped for traveling.

 

[Janice Miller]

More from our emergency outbreak policy on Emergency pay:

Our Emergency Outbreak policy clearly states that for staff to be eligible for Emergency pay, they must be (a) required essential staff and (b) working on site. Remote workers may still get paid for working, but not get time and a half.

Anyone experiencing similar requests for emergency pay when not clearly at risk?  Anyone doing this differently?

[Janice Miller]

Thank you for sharing this article, Kristina.  I may try the suggestion to use Speaker View when I’m on a call.  About 2 weeks into remote meetings, I figured out that I had to stop scheduling back to back meetings and leave myself 30 minutes between.  It really does take much more focus on a video conference.

One other suggestion I have found helpful is to hide my camera view.  In an in person meeting, we do not spend any time at all looking at ourselves while looking at others.  While it has been illuminating to see how other’s might see me, it is often distracting to monitor my own image!

[Janice Miller]

Hi Joanne,

Our Emergency Outbreak policy clearly states that for staff to be eligible for Emergency pay, they must be (a) required essential staff and (b) working on site.  Remote workers may still get paid for working, but not get time and a half.

Maybe think about if there is a way to separate your hotline staff – restrict movement to residential floor? use a separate stairwell or entry? or is there a way to move the hotline to remote answer?

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