Training Description  

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can increase vulnerability for individuals experiencing domestic and sexual violence. Doulas are uniquely positioned to recognize early indicators of harm, provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support, and connect clients with appropriate resources, yet many receive limited formal training in this area. This interactive, case-based 4-hour workshop is designed for doulas and perinatal professionals. Participants will build a strong foundation in the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence, with focused attention on how these forms of harm intersect with pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum recovery, and infant feeding.

The first half of the workshop focuses on foundational knowledge and core skills, including patterns of power and control, the relationship between violence and perinatal health outcomes, recognizing subtle indicators of victimization, trauma-informed support within scope of practice, universal education, and safe, ethical referral practices.

The second half is application-based, scenario-driven, and highly interactive. Participants will engage in realistic case studies and simulations to practice responding to complex situations across the perinatal period, including labor and delivery dynamics, reproductive coercion, safety considerations in home and clinical settings, postpartum vulnerability, and maintaining boundaries while preventing secondary trauma.

Participants will leave with practical tools, sample language for universal education, increased confidence navigating complex scenarios, and a clear, adaptable referral pathway framework.        

Learning Objectives  

1. Describe patterns of power and control and explain how intimate partner violence impacts perinatal health outcomes.

2. Recognize and interpret subtle indicators of victimization within perinatal contexts.

3. Demonstrate how to provide universal education using non-stigmatizing, autonomy-centered language.

4. Apply trauma-informed, survivor-centered principles within the doula scope of practice.

5. Practice and evaluate responses to complex, real-world scenarios.

6. Develop and articulate a clear referral pathway and safety-support approach.