Pathways to Opportunity Initiative
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sexual harassment (DVSASSH) face barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment. Survivors are often isolated from the education and employment opportunities they need to ensure their safety. In addition, without proper support, DVSASSH may impact a survivor’s retention in skills training and employment opportunities.
The Pathways to Opportunity Initiative seeks to address these barriers to economic independence for DVSASSH survivors through regional teams made up of a victim service organization, education organization, and workforce development organization. Futures without Violence has partnered with the Corporation for Skilled Workforce and Women Employed to train these regional collaboratives on how to help DVSASSH survivors gain and maintain employment.
About the teams:
Each team will be comprised of a:
- Victim Service Organization: an organization that provides wraparound services such as crisis intervention, safety planning, housing, legal advocacy and case management to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment (DVSASSH). As part of the team, they help survivors address the personal and safety barriers that may affect their employment. Examples: domestic violence shelter, transitional housing program, family justice centers, DVSASSH economic empowerment programs, human and social service providers, local nonprofit serving survivors of DVSASSH , etc.
- Education Organization: an organization such as an adult school, community college, vocational training program, or career and technical training programs that provide academic instruction, certificates and credentialing, and skill-building opportunities. As part of the team, they create learning pathways that help survivors build new skills and gain the accreditation needed for employment. Examples: Adult School, Community College, Continuing Education Programs, Vocational Training Program, CTE Programs, Registered Apprenticeships etc.
- Workforce Development Organization: an organization that offers services such as job readiness coaching, résumé support, interview preparation, skill assessments, and direct links to local employers. Within the team, they help survivors explore careers, prepare for employment, and connect with job opportunities. Example: Career Centers, American Job Centers, WIOA Title I, II or III Programs, TANF employment programs, Reentry workforce programs, Economic Development Organizations, Registered Apprenticeships
Tools & Resources
Webinar: Leading with Empathy: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Supporting Survivors on the Path to Employment
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or sexual harassment (DVSASSH) have experienced trauma–oftentimes multiple types of trauma including economic abuse and Adverse Childhood Experiences. This webinar will help participants understand trauma symptoms and how trauma may affect participants’ success in education, workforce development, and victim/survivor support programs. Webinar participants will learn about trauma-informed approaches, principles, and practices. This will be a highly interactive webinar, with opportunities to work in smaller groups to explore scenarios and practice concrete examples. Please review this short blog on trauma and toxic stress prior to the webinar: What are Toxic Stress and Trauma?
Webinar: Stronger Together: Collaboration for Survivors Employment
Building employment pathways for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment (DVSASSH) requires more than any single system can provide. This interactive webinar explores how trauma-informed cross-sector collaboration between victim service, education and workforce development providers creates safer and more accessible employment opportunities for survivors. Through real-world examples and guided discussion, you’ll gain actionable strategies to strengthen partnerships, align goals and build a more effective continuum of care that supports employment outcomes for survivors.
Kickoff Webinar: Strengthening Job Opportunities for Survivors
Futures Without Violence, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and Women Employed is launching The Pathways to Opportunity Initiative to create regional partnerships that enable organizations to collaborate in improving employment outcomes for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment (DVSASSH). Join the kickoff webinar to learn how DVSASSH affects employment, introduce the organizations behind the initiative, and outline ways to participate in regional partnerships that support survivor-centered employment solutions.
Fact Sheet: Strengthening Job Opportunities for Survivors
This fact sheet provides information on the prevalence and impact of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment (DVSASSH) in the workplace, the economic consequences for survivors, and how communities can collaborate with the Pathways Initiative to strengthen employment pathways for survivors.
Participation in the Pathways to Opportunity Initiative:
Application:
If you are a victim service, education, or workforce development organization interested in applying to be a part of the Pathways to Opportunity initiative, apply here:
- Applications are closed.
Selected applicants will receive $20,000 to participate in the Pathways Initiative.
For questions email pathways@futureswithoutviolence.org
This project is supported by Grant No. 15JOVW-24-GK-06128-NRCW awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed herein or in any materials herein, are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.