The CDS Training

This 50-minute presentation will explore the impact of domestic violence on victims, their children, and society and the importance of recognizing and responding to signs of abuse. Leslie will elaborate on best practices for safely working with victims/survivors and the importance of referring them to DV advocates for a wide array of free and confidential services such as safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency shelter, and counseling that complement the efforts of the divorce professional. The presentation will conclude with specific recommendations from DV advocates for divorce professionals including avenues for collaboration, safety considerations, and guidelines for supporting clients who have been victims of abuse or have used abusive tactics in their relationships.

• The divorce professionals’ role is to recognize the signs that a client may be experiencing abuse, respond in a validating manner and safely refer to domestic violence providers for support services.
• Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to get and maintain power and control of another person within an intimate partner relationship. 
• Domestic violence is not limited to physical violence and includes sexual abuse, verbal abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, financial abuse and digital abuse. 
• Domestic violence happens regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, education or employment status. 
• Collaboration between divorce professionals and domestic violence advocates enhances the safety and well-being of clients experiencing abuse.

Presenter: Leslie Coplin, LMSW

Leslie Coplin is a Domestic Violence Advocate and Training and Community Engagement Coordinator for YWCA Greenwich Domestic Abuse Services. She facilitates Prevention Education Programs in the Greenwich Public Schools and presents about the dynamics of teen dating violence and healthy dating relationships to teens and young adults. Leslie also delivers trainings to professionals and speaks with parents on fostering healthy relationships. She has expanded her scope of work to create original content for presentations on protective factors impacting the quality of relationships. Leslie helped launch YWCA Greenwich's DEI curriculum initiative and facilitates interactive workshops. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Emerson College and Masters Degree from the Graduate School of Social Service at Fordham University. Prior to joining YWCA Greenwich, Leslie facilitated a Life Skills curriculum and self-advocacy and mutual aid groups to middle school students through The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center.