Survivor Voices: Co-Learning, Re-Connection, and Healing Through Community Action Research and Engagement (CARE)

Abstract

This article describes the Trauma Healing Project (THP: www.http//healingattention.org), the Survivor Voices study (n = 351), and the complementary nature of community- campus partnerships (CCP) and community-based participatory action research methodology (PAR). Survivor Voices-a random digit telephone survey developed by, conducted, analyzed, and disseminated by survivors of abuse and violence, university researchers, and students-was designed to learn from survivors about what hurt and about what helped with regard to how people responded to their trauma, and what they recommend for trauma healing. We feature our CCP, including challenges faced, how we have addressed those challenges, and profile our current findings. We describe how PAR and CCPs can be very useful tools toward the development of a community-wide effort to reduce violence and support trauma healing.

Rape, Sexual Violence, and Acquiescence in Intimate Relationships: Screening, Assessment, and Clinical Decision Making

“…rather than to solely classify behaviors in a one-dimensional fashion, i.e., "mild-moderate-severe." Therapists may find, for instance, that "mild" behavior has a severe impact-and this knowledge may be instrumental toward a client-centered intervention (Cortez et al, 2011).…”

Who's Listening to Victims? Nurses' Listening Styles and Domestic Violence Screening

“…Finally, the Trauma Healing Project (2011) combined findings from surveys and in-depth interviews with 351 survivors of abuse to learn from survivors about what hurt and what helped with regard to how people responded to their trauma, and what they recommend for trauma healing (Cortez et al, 2011). Several significant relationships emerged between receiving trauma-related listening and feeling like someone understood their experience.…”

“…Survivors equated support with listening well, holding a nonjudgmental attitude, and validation. They also emphasized listening without interruption and the importance of being believed (Cortez et al, 2011). As to recommendations for medical personnel, one survivor summed it up best: "Being a person is more important than being a professional.…”

The Central Role of Governance in Community-Based Participatory Research

“…1 In the papers about assessing CBPR readiness 3 and disseminating CBPR products, 4 it is clear that CBPR tools and products must be developed through an authentic and engaged partnership just as the research itself has been.…”

“…1 essential that the governance of the project not only involve trauma survivors but to do so in a way that continues to promote their healing and recovery. Through a shared governance model in which the CBPR project is designed and implemented by trauma survivors, the partnership is able to level the playing field and promote healing by and between the participants rather than perpetuating victimization through a program that is delivered "to" the survivors.…”