Survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence often face severe mental health challenges, including an increased risk of suicide. Global research has found high rates of suicidal ideation and behavior among survivors, with research showing that over 50% of human trafficking survivors report ever having suicidal thoughts and over 40% ever having tried to kill themselves. Given these risks, it is essential for service providers to have the skills and tools necessary to intervene effectively. At Eleison, we also recognize that the emotional demands of working with individuals in crisis can be substantial for service providers, which not only impacts the wellbeing of staff but also the quality of care provided to survivors.
In light of these needs, we have developed a suicide prevention and intervention training program for service providers which has been designed to address these dual challenges. Our suicide prevention training program is crafted not only to elevate the quality of care provided, but also to support the well-being of service providers themselves. In our training program, participants learn about suicidal ideation and behavior, the spectrum of suicide, common misconceptions about suicide, as well as risks and protective factors. We train providers in conducting suicide risk assessment and intervention, using practical, evidence-based tools that can be readily applied, even by those without prior formal mental health training. Our prior research has shown that when service providers are equipped with these tools, their skills, knowledge, and confidence improve while they also experience lower levels of work-related stress and lessened emotional burdens associated with their work.
As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, we are reminded of the critical importance of capacity building programs to help service providers effectively address the needs of survivors experiencing suicidal ideation and behavior. Our training programs can be implemented anywhere globally via a combination of in-person and online modalities. Our trainings can be customized for the unique needs of various partner organizations. For more information on how our training programs can benefit your organization, we invite you to contact info@eleisonfoundation.org or message us here.
