Strive-cope [strengthen trauma-informed response to interpersonal violence: care, outreach, prevention and education] - people harmed by interpersonal violence are at higher risk for depression,…

Strive-cope [strengthen trauma-informed response to interpersonal violence: care, outreach, prevention and education] - people harmed by interpersonal violence are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and poly-victimization. To mitigate these additional harms, culturally-responsive and trauma-informed responses to disclosures are critical. Strive-cope improves crisis response (forensic interviews, forensic medical exams, advocacy) and behavioral health care (acute support and healing care) to survivors of interpersonal and sexualized violence. This project also supports outreach, violence prevention, and professional education. Staff: this grant supports 15 specialty staff positions in three areas of care: sexual assault response, mental health and wellness, and interpersonal violence education and prevention. Several of these positions require bilingual skills and experience navigating systems with a multi-cultural perspective. Population & primary service area: while mosaic georgia serves all who request care, strive-cope focuses on youth and adults, largely female, lgbtq, and/or bipoc, who experience dating violence, sexual assault/ abuse, stalking, SEX trafficking or other commercial sexual exploitation. In 2022, 45% clients were between ages 13-24; 37% were 12 and under; and 18% were 25-90 years. 77% were bipoc. The primary geography/catchment area is gwinnett county, georgia. With almost 1,000,000 people, 26% of residents were born outside the united states and 1/3 households speak a language other than english at home. There are over 180,000 K-12 students in in 141 public schools. The need for culturally-responsive outreach and care continues to grow. Services: strive-cope improves care with practitioners in acute response roles and behavioral health & wellness care. Services include forensic interview and medical services with acute triage and interventions; individual trauma-focused therapy plans, therapeutic and psychoeducational support groups, and trauma-informed healing and wellness modalities with culturally based approaches. Outreach to deliver resources to underserved communities and prevention initiatives for youth, adults, and parents to reduce stigma and encourage engagement in care. Education for professionals in public safety will help improve trauma-informed responses to victims. All education/training is designed to increase knowledge and enhance practical skills. Project goals & measurable objectives: strive-cope increases access and improves the level of care for bipoc and other victims of interpersonal violence: 150 clients served with acute response (forensic interview & forensic medical) care. 180 clients will participate in therapeutic care resulting in decreased trauma symptoms and increased resilience coping skills. Professional education will improve communication and trauma-informed skills of 80% of 100+ participating criminal justice practitioners. Culturally-responsive prevention initiatives will strengthen protective factors for 60% of 160+ participants who are vulnerable to interpersonal violence. Culturally-responsive outreach and education with bipoc professionals will create 2-4 new collaborations for under-served, at-risk youth and adults.