The webinars listed in this post were presented by The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) to help domestic violence programs assess their readiness to provide digital services. They cover how to choose the right tools and also how to develop strong policies and procedures that will ensure high-quality services that are centered in survivor safety and privacy.
Offering additional communication options is crucial to survivor-centered services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Using tech-based tools like online chat, text messaging, and video calls increases access by offering more ways for survivors to connect to advocacy and support services.
Survivors must be at the center of our technology decision-making. In practice, this means prioritizing both access and privacy.
Assessing Readiness for Digital Services
This webinar looks at the benefits and risks of providing services through technology. Participants will learn about the questions to ask to identify community needs and clarify program goals for digital services. We also discuss the skills needed for effective digital communication. This webinar will be helpful whether you are just curious, actively planning to launch digital services, or wondering how to strengthen services you already offer.
Choosing a Platform and Vendor for Digital Services
This webinar will help you choose the type of technology best for your hotline, ongoing advocacy, or support groups. Then we dive into everything you need to consider when choosing a vendor: cost, features, data security and privacy, customer service, and more. We also cover the benefits and risks of providing services through technology. Finally, we provide a checklist for you to use when considering a vendor. This webinar will be helpful whether you are just curious, actively planning to launch digital services, or wondering if the vendor you're using is the best fit.
Best Practices for Digital Services
This webinar covers best practices for digital services overall, as well as for specific kinds of technology. We focus on safety and privacy, clear communication, informed consent, and planning for the unexpected. This webinar will be helpful whether you are exploring possibilities, actively preparing to launch digital services, or wondering how you can strengthen your policies and practices.
Fundamentals and Framework: Understanding Confidentiality and Our Obligations
This webinar outlines federal confidentiality obligations and how they connect to survivor-centered advocacy and practice, discusses key considerations related to information disclosure, and addresses the general intersection of confidentiality and technology.
Survivor Data: Collection, Retention, and Deletion Best Practices
This webinar offers a deep dive into best practices related to victim service programs' confidentiality obligations and their data collection, retention, and deletion processes.
Data Breach Notifications and Survivor Confidentiality
Both OVW grantee requirements and state laws require programs to inform survivors of data breaches. However, data breach notifications can pose serious safety and privacy risks to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and must be thought through carefully. This webinar addresses the issues that victim service programs must consider as they draft and implement data breach notification policies.
Official Demands for Information: Subpoenas, Warrants, Court Orders, Auditors, and Monitors
Although the statutory obligations are clear, the real-life scenarios that emerge when someone demands information or when a release is needed can feel challenging and confusing. Here, we talk through common questions and scenarios to help attendees navigate the nuances of releases and releasing information. We answer frequently asked questions about managing requests from attorneys, law enforcement, social service agencies, court systems, and funders.
About NNEDV
I serve as the Senior Technology Safety Specialist at The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and its Safety Net Project. NNEDV is a leading voice for survivors of domestic violence and their allies. NNEDV provides training and assistance to the statewide and territorial coalitions against domestic violence.
The Safety Net Project at NNEDV works at the intersection of technology and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, to increase the capacity of professionals to address technology misuse and support survivors' strategic use of technology. Safety Net guides local programs on how to use technology in their services to promote confidentiality, safety, and privacy.
I hope you and your organization find these resources valuable to you and ultimately your constituents. For more information, please visit the NNEDV website today.
Additional Resources
- We know that organizations focused on domestic violence face unique challenges around technology, security, and effective communications. Please take this survey to help TechSoup design solutions to best fit your needs.
- See TechSoup's Digital Essentials for Organizations Focused on Domestic Violence.
- Get insights into Managing Data at Domestic Violence Programs.
