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  ## Violence Intervention Advocacy Program

# Patient Resources

 Explore Violence Intervention Advocacy Program

 ## Understanding Trauma

Learn more about common feelings and actions after trauma, things that can help, and guidance for family members supporting a loved one after trauma.

**Common feelings and actions after trauma may include:**

- Anger, depression, and/or anxiety
- Nightmares
- Change in eating and sleeping patterns
- Wanting to hurt the person who hurt you
- Physical signs of stress: headache/stomachache
- Difficulty concentrating
- Being shocked or afraid
- Feeling guilty because you could not prevent the violent act
- Feeling embarrassed to tell your friends or family
- Loss of control or powerlessness
- Isolating yourself from friends or shutting down
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- Mood swings

**Things that can help include:**

- Talking about your experience with someone non-judgmental and who is positive and understanding.
- Sharing your feelings. It is very natural to want to talk to someone when you're feeling down or a crisis has occurred. There are professionals who are trained to help you deal with stress and life changes. These professionals are experienced in working with people who have survived trauma and can assist you in recovering and healing.
- Building resources. This includes staying connected to positive family members, friends, teachers, coaches, siblings, faith-based resources, and other supportive community members.

**If you're the family member or friend of someone who has experienced trauma, some ways you can help include:**

- Taking care of yourselves by eating, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting some rest.
- Remaining calm in front of your loved one; remember s/he may be affected by your reactions.
- Listening to your loved one vent and do not try to have answers for everything.
- Validating the event and your loved one's feelings about it.



 

 

  

 

 ## Community Partners

VIAP has a strong network of community partners, whom we collaborate closely with to ensure the highest level of involvement and commitment to our community and clients. Each program, service, and coalition has specific focuses and expertise. These connections allow us to connect VIAP clients with the services and resources that would best meet their needs.

- [Louis D. Brown Peace Institute](https://ldbpeaceinstitute.org/): The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute serves as a center of healing, teaching, and learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief, and loss.
- [Justice Resource Institute (JRI)](https://jri.org/): Justice Resource Institute is a leader in social justice, with over 100 diverse programs meeting the needs of underserved individuals, families and communities, committed to excellence, delivering targeted services that support the dignity of each person.
- [Community Healing Response Network (CHRN)](https://www.boston.gov/government/cabinets/boston-public-health-commission/violence-prevention/neighborhood-trauma-team-network): City of Boston - Boston Public Health Commission program offering free and private services for individuals, families, and communities affected by community violence, including immediate crisis support, support to individuals and families at community events (ex. vigils, memorials), referrals to ongoing behavioral health services, trauma education, community outreach, and coping/healing groups.