http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Swearer_Center/Literacy_Resources/help.html

The following suggestions are offered in terms of their relative usefulness in discussing trauma and learning

to avoid	more helpful things to do
don't address violence without reliable resources / referrals [need for research]	find reliable counseling referrals prior to addressing violence [investigate possibilities, invite speakers] build connections/relationships with community providers
avoid 'knowing it all,' don't assume someone else can or should do what you might do	listen well
avoid 'doing for'	work with learners to develop advocacy skills
don't require people to share	work with people to create safe spaces / ground rules for those who wish to share
teachers are not counselors; don't take on a counseling role	provide good referral information as appropriate
avoid judgements; don't blame the victim	respect others' rights to make their own decisions, while providing information/increasing awareness about options
avoid simplistic answers	be realistic about difficulties and possibilities (hopeful survival stories)
don't store journals where others might read them	respect privacy;
messages that blame or discourage victims	important messages to receive
Did you try to stop the abuse? What did you do to provoke it?	I believe you It's not your fault
Why don't you just leave?	I'm interested in hearing more.
That happened a while ago, why are you still talking about it?	How can we make our classroom feel safe?
Can't you just forget about it? You need to get on with your life.	I'm interested in helping you understand how your experiences affect your learning

[31 march/2006]