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by | Jul 7, 2023 | Anti-Violence, Providers, Sexual Violence, Trans Community / Survivors

FORGE is Creating a Transgender/Nonbinary Victims of Crime Toolkit

Haga clic aquí para información en español

FORGE has been funded by the Office of Victims of Crime to create a new, extensive Toolkit for service providers on responding to the needs of transgender/nonbinary victims of crime. The Toolkit will encompass a wide spectrum of crime/violence that trans people experience, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, bullying, anti-trans hate crimes, police brutality and dozens of other crimes that impact trans people very day.

FORGE is hosting 24+ Listening Sessions to gather input from trans/nonbinary community members and service providers (medical professionals, mental health care, victims advocates, law enforcement, first responders, educators and more). Participants will have the opportunity to share from their unique perspectives what helping professionals are doing well and what needs improvement, thoughts on helpful practices, and what service providers should know about serving trans/nonbinary communities.

Trans and nonbinary survivors of violence and crime deserve support, care, and access to quality services. Direct input from community members and service providers is essential to ensuring a relevant, culturally-informed Toolkit. In addition to the Listening Sessions, FORGE will be conducting literature reviews, analyzing best and promising practices from the field, and working with an Advisory Team to create a comprehensive, online, multi-modal Toolkit.

Join us for the listening session reportback on November 30th!

On this page, read more about:

  1. The Toolkit
  2. Listening Sessions
  3. Dates/times for sessions
  4. Listening session reportback
  5. Listening session FAQ for community members
  6. Social media toolkit
  7. Confirmed project partners

 

The Toolkit

Who is this for?

The Toolkit’s primary audience is victim service providers and allied professionals, and the Toolkit will be useful for community advocates.

Most victim service providers want to provide culturally responsive care, but simply lack the knowledge to do so. This Toolkit is so essential for improving the wellbeing of trans victims of crime.

What will be covered?

In addition to the multiple forms of violence covered, this Toolkit will address race and racism, with a specific focus on the experiences and needs of Black trans women and girls.  Other intersectional components (disability, housing security, education, rural/urban, economic stability, religion, immigration status, and much more) will be key in crafting a relevant, responsive Toolkit that reflects the needs and experiences of our community(ies).

The virtual Toolkit will include tipsheets, videos, guides, and more. It will be:

  • Trauma-informed
  • Culturally-responsive
  • Intersectional
  • Accessible

The Need for This Toolkit to Support Trans Survivors of Crime

Sexual assault, bullying, harassment, stalking, intimate partner violence, dating violence, elder abuse, sexual harassment, physical assault, trafficking, and other forms of hate crimes are everyday realities for trans communities.

Many trans people never seek services after a crime. When trans people do seek services to address the victimization they experienced, it often results in additional trauma, discrimination, and stigma due to the prejudicial or ignorant behaviors and reactions of members of the criminal justice system, victim service providers, and health care professionals.

 

Listening Sessions

We want to hear from you! 

Be a part of informing culturally responsive, trauma-informed services for trans/nonbinary survivors of crime and violence. Register here! 

Who we are looking for:

Trans/nonbinary community members and loved ones who have experiences with crime/violence. Consider attending if you:

  • Have a willingness to talk about what was and was not helpful after your experience(s)
  • Are comfortable participating in a small group discussion and share space with others who are sharing  (8-10 people)

Please note: 

  • Community listening sessions are set up by identity and/or experience. Participants are encouraged to attend a session that aligns with their identities or experiences. 
  • Individuals do not have to share details about the experience(s) of violence/crime in order to participate and or have sought out professional support services after your experience(s).

Service providers/professionals who are:

  • Familiar with providing culturally-responsive services to trans/nonbinary survivors
  • Comfortable sharing in a group setting – contributing and listening to others (8-10 people)
  • Have insight into how to help others in your field better serve trans/nonbinary survivors of violence/crime

Note: Sessions are set up by profession/field. We ask that attendees have experience in that area, but you do not need to currently be working in the field.

If you do not want to participate in a group discussion or are unavailable at the dates/times listed, you can fill out this form to provide written feedback. You may also email Emil@forge-forward.org to set up a time to talk one on one. 

Register for listening sessions. 

What can you expect in a listening session? Read the Listening Sessions FAQ for community members.

 

Listening session reportback

In this reportback, FORGE shared about the process of coordinating over 25 Listening Sessions, some of the key findings and emerging themes. Participants had an opportunity to ask questions and respond to the information. Watch the recording from November 30th at 3pm EST. 

 

 

Dates/times for sessions

(This list will continue to be updated.)

Trans/Nonbinary Community Sessions

Past listening sessions:

  • Nonbinary – August 3, 2023
  • Trans Men – September 7, 2023
  • Sex Workers – September 11, 2023
  • Survivors who were Formerly Incarcerated – September 13, 2023
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing – October 3, 2023
  • Neurodivergent and/or Disabled – October 6, 2023
  • Trans Women – October 10, 2023
  • Black Trans Men – October 12, 2023
  • General Community (open to all) – Oct 16, 2023
  • Elders – October 26, 2023
  • Black Trans Women and Girls – Oct 27, 2023
  • Spanish-language session – Oct 30, 2023
  • Indigenous and Native – Oct 31, 2023
  • Trans Women and Girls of Color – November 6, 2023 at 3pm EST
  • Survivors of Hate Violence/Murder – November 8, 2023 at 5pm EST
  • Immigrants and/or Undocumented – Mon, Nov 13 at 11am ET
  • Parents/Families of Bullied Youth – November 13, 2023 at 6pm EST

Service Providers/Professionals

Past listening sessions:

  • Forensic Nurses – July 11, 2023
  • Support Group/Group-based Services – August 1, 2023
  • LGBTQ Centers – August 10, 2023
  • Law Enforcement – August 17, 2023
  • Health Care Providers – August 30, 2023
  • Long-term Care Staff/Ombudsman – September 6, 2023
  • Restorative Justice Workers/Community response efforts – September 18, 2023
  • Shelter Staff – September 19, 2023
  • Youth Workers – Oct 4, 2023
  • Advocates – October 24, 2023 at 5pm EST, or October 30, 2023
  • Mental Health Care Providers – November 14, 2023 at 3pm EST
  • Adult and Child Protective Services – November 28, 2023 at 1pm EST

Click here to register. You will be able to indicate interest in multiple sessions.

Have more questions? Read the Listening Sessions FAQ for community members.

Social Media Toolkit

It’s important that this Toolkit includes a wide range of perspectives and experiences. You/your organization can help to spread the word about the Toolkit and the listening sessions that will be vital for shaping this resource by sharing informational social media posts. Graphics and suggested captions are available for easy sharing!

Confirmed Project Partners

Want to receive information about the Toolkit when it launches? Sign-up for FORGE’s email list.