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Crime Victims Op-eds

A Quick Overview of Protective Orders

As a court advocate in the 280th Protective Order Court, my job is to provide support, information, and resources to applicants (those seeking the protective order). At times, the applicants are represented by the District Attorney’s office, hired attorneys, or through an agency (such as AVDA, Lone Star Legal Aid, or other non-profits), or they represent themselves (Pro Se). Pro Se applicants often express their nerves and worries about representing themselves and not knowing how to fully do so. They express a lack of knowledge of the law or what happens in court in general.

Hearing this prompted me (along with the MSW interns working with me) to create a guide for Pro Se applicants, and a list of answers to frequently asked questions. These guides were created to give Pro Se applicants information about court proceedings, and what’s expected of them during the process. With approval from the courts, these guides are available to people when they come in to apply for a protective order. I genuinely believe that knowledge is power, especially when that knowledge is applied. My hope is that these guides will help those representing themselves to feel more prepared for their hearing.

I am not an attorney, and these guides are not legal advice for self-representation, rather information that is helpful to know when representing oneself.

Lastly, we have created a survey (link below) to get a better sense of what advocates know about Protective Orders and what they’d like to learn. This will help guide our Legal Services Committee to plan future trainings.

 

About the Author

Protective Order Court Advocate

Deborah Alexis, LCSW

Categories
Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds

Minority Mental Health Awareness

During the month of July, let us join the nation in celebrating National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by minority communities. In our diverse society, it is crucial that we shed light on the experiences and struggles of individuals from minority backgrounds when it comes to mental health so that we foster a deeper understanding and cultivate an environment of empathy, support, and inclusivity. Raising awareness about minority mental health helps break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and by embracing the stories and experiences of individuals from minority communities, we challenge outdated stereotypes and help to open a space for honest conversations. We know that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their background. However, individuals from minority communities often face additional barriers when seeking help, such as cultural stigma, language barriers, or limited access to culturally competent mental health services. So let us celebrate the resilience and strength of individuals from minority communities who have triumphed over their mental health challenges. During this month, we encourage you to educate yourself about the unique mental health concerns faced by different minority groups.

Thank you for joining us in this important journey of raising awareness for minority mental health!

About the Author

BATP Manager of Advocacy and Counseling Services

Morgan Holman

Categories
Mental Health Awareness Month Op-eds

Community Coach/Mentor-KScott

To say I am happy to be a part of this community is an understatement; I am ECSTATIC!

Why? I love to make an IMPACT.


Prior to this field, I was in another field where I was fortunate to earn two degrees as a student-athlete from the University of Utah and received numerous accolades for my leadership, community service, athletics, and academic performance. I was even awarded the Most Inspirational Male Student-Athlete and got opportunities to play professionally in the NFL and CFL.

After leaving that field, I desired to maintain my ability to make a positive impact. That’s why I entered the non-profit sector and gained experience in various areas, including Domestic Violence Shelters, Fatherhood programs, suicide/gang prevention groups, etc.

Now, it’s time to further the advocacy.

With our new program, we aim to decrease the “harm doers” likelihood to exercise verbal/emotional, sexual, physical, financial, and spiritual abuse toward their partner as an option based on their emotional state, history of dysfunction, belief system, and peer association.

My role is to identify healthier coping mechanisms in their intimate relationships that lead to equality between them and their partners through individual coaching for individuals who use violence in their relationships.

As I said, I am ECSTATIC to be a part of this community.

Why? Because I love to make an IMPACT, and I am sure you do too!

 

Will you help to end the violence?

About the Author

DVHRT Coach, HCDVCC

Kenneth Scott

Categories
DVAM neurofeedback Op-eds TBI

Why Neurofeedback

The Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council consistently seeks to identify the gaps that create barriers for survivors to have access to safety and services, hold those who do harm accountable and prevent homicides related to domestic violence.

HCDVCC is on the cusp of establishing innovative programming, specific to neurofeedback therapy, to respond to IPV survivors unique needs and concerns and will be introducing a new Neurofeedback pilot program to address the affects of domestic violence on the survivor related to overall emotional wellness.

Why Neurofeedback?
According to the research by Dr. Huda “Shay” Shaikh, the volatile nature of intimate partner violence (IPV) can make survivors vulnerable to experiencing PTSD symptoms. The prevalence of PTSD symptoms among survivors of IPV is becoming a vast area of interest in the mental health field. Regarding the dynamics of IPV, researchers have asserted that IPV survivors are at a higher risk for PTSD and other mental health concerns such as depression. Given each IPV survivors needs, and concerns tend to be unique, alternative modalities in conjunction with trauma-focused therapeutic modalities are being utilized to respond to symptom reduction and care.

Neurofeedback is defined as a noninvasive, neurocognitive intervention that targets brain wave activity and focuses on training the brain to work towards self-regulation (Nooner et al., 2017). Alternative therapeutic modalities, such as NFB, are presently being introduced to special populations such as veterans across the United States by organizations such as Team Semper Fi and The Lone Survivor Foundation in response to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD symptoms. NFB therapy aims to train the brainwave patterns for the brain to work towards self-regulation (Nooner et al., 2017). Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) guided NFB, otherwise known as brain mapping guided NFB, is the advised path for NFB therapy given its ability to offer a more personalized treatment plan (Wigton & Krigbaum, 2019).

Brain mapping is a process that captures the unique brainwave pattern of an individual undergoing the qEEG. Given that no two individuals will have the same brainwaves, a qEEG provides an exclusive look at an individual’s brain, as unique as their fingerprint. Based on the qEEG recording of the individual’s brainwaves, the clinician develops a treatment plan for that individual. Once the treatment plan is developed, the individual initiates NFB sessions based on the protocols detailed in their individualized treatment plan. Therefore, qEEG-guided NFB allows clinician to create a treatment plan specialized for that individual and their specific brain wave Patterns (Brown et al., 2019). While NFB has been utilized as an intervention for various disorders for four decades, its solidification as an evidence-based therapy for PTSD has yet to be established. However, research has been conducted supporting its helpfulness in mitigating PTSD symptoms. Utilizing NFB therapy to relieve PTSD symptoms is a growing scholarly field.


Dr. Huda “Shay” Shaikh is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, National Certified Counselor, Board Certified Neurofeedback Clinician, and Board Approved Neurofeedback Mentor. She graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from The University of Houston and earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Shay completed her doctoral program in Counselor Education and Supervision in September 2022. Her dissertation was focused on comparing the modalities, EMDR and NFB, in response to intimate partner violence survivor PTSD treatment. Given her passion for trauma work, in addition to being a Neurofeedback clinician, Shay is trained in EMDR therapy, is a CPT provider, trained in providing TF-CBT and well versed in play therapy strategies.

Having a passion for trauma and program management, Shay has worked with a diverse set of populations providing trauma therapy and neurofeedback therapy. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in building trauma focused programs at different agencies. With a passion for working with combat veterans, Shay has also been a contracted Neurofeedback clinician with the Lone Survivor Foundation to serve those that served our nation. Formerly, with Region 4 Education Service Center, Shay led a trauma team in the Santa Fe District to implement systems and provide trauma-wellness counseling services to students and staff in the district in response to the May 18th mass violence tragedy at Santa Fe High School. Upon the completion of the trauma-focused project with Region 4, Shay worked with the Fort Bend County Women’s Center as their Neurofeedback Supervisor and Counselor to provide mental health services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Presently, she works with the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (HCDVCC) as their Neurofeedback Program Manager/Clinician. Her main responsibility is to establish the neurofeedback therapy program in response to IPV survivor care.

About the Author

Neurofeedback Program Manager

Dr. Huda “Shay” Shaikh

Categories
DVAM Mental Health Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month Blog Header

Understanding the Link Between Domestic Violence Trauma and PTSD: Self-Care Tips for Healing

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, leaving long-lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars. Among the various consequences survivors may face, one often overlooked but significant outcome is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article aims to shed light on the relationship between domestic violence trauma (DV) and PTSD, exploring its impact and providing practical self-care tips to support survivors on their healing journey.

There is a complex connection between DV and PTSD. Domestic violence encompasses a range of abusive behaviors that one person uses to exert power and control over another in an intimate relationship. These traumatic experiences can deeply affect survivors, leading to the development of PTSD. The connection between DV and PTSD lies in the enduring sense of fear, helplessness, and ongoing exposure to psychological, emotional, and physical harm.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition that arises from experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Survivors of domestic violence often exhibit symptoms consistent with PTSD, including:

  • Intrusive Memories: Vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts that recur unexpectedly, reminding survivors of traumatic experiences.
  • Avoidance and Numbing: A tendency to avoid places, people, or activities that may trigger memories of trauma, coupled with emotional detachment and loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities.
  • Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: Heightened anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and an ongoing state of alertness, as if anticipating danger.
  • Negative Cognition and Mood: Persistent negative thoughts, self-blame, guilt, feelings of shame, and a distorted sense of self-worth.

While seeking professional help is crucial for survivors of domestic violence, integrating self-care practices into their healing journey can play a significant role in rebuilding their lives. Here are some self-care tips to consider:

  • Prioritize Safety: Ensure physical and emotional safety by creating a safe environment, developing a safety plan, and establishing a support network of trusted individuals.
  • Seek Professional Support: Connect with mental health professionals specializing in trauma and domestic violence to guide you through the healing process and provide evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Neurofeedback.
  • Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Engage in activities that help you stay present, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or grounding techniques like focusing on the senses or repeating affirmations.
  • Engage in Self-Compassion: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, acknowledging your strength and resilience, and practicing self-acceptance.
  • Establish Healthy Boundaries: Set clear boundaries in your relationships and learn to say no when necessary. Prioritize your needs and create a sense of empowerment and control over your life.
  • Engage in Supportive Communities: Connect with support groups, online forums, or local organizations that provide a safe space to share experiences, gain support, and build a sense of community with fellow survivors.
  • Engage in Self-Expression: Explore creative outlets such as writing, art, or music to express and process your emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.

The journey of healing from domestic violence trauma and managing PTSD can be arduous, but it is not one survivors must face alone. By understanding the connection between domestic violence trauma and PTSD and implementing self-care practices, survivors can begin reclaiming their lives and nurturing their well-being. It is essential to be patient and compassionate with oneself throughout the process. By prioritizing safety, seeking professional support, practicing mindfulness, establishing healthy boundaries, engaging in supportive communities, and embracing self-expression, survivors can take important steps toward healing and nurturing resilience. Remember, you are not defined by the trauma you have experienced. With time, support, and self-care, it is possible to reclaim your sense of self and move forward on a path of healing, growth, and empowerment.

About the Author

Rebecca Councill, Manager of Communications and Operations

Manager of Communications and Operations of HCDVCC,

Rebecca Councill