Frequently Asked Questions
How do we support domestic violence organizations?
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is an umbrella term that encompasses many different forms of violence and abuse including sexual and domestic violence. Earlier in the movement, folks often used the terminology, “violence against women” and there has been a shift to using the more inclusive “gender-based violence” to recognize that it is violence directed at someone because of their biological sex and/or gender identity. We are examining imbalances of power and how that is used to harm someone else by exerting control over them.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse, Relationship Abuse, and Intimate Partner violence are often used interchangeably. They are used to describe relationships where there is a pattern of behavior one person uses to gain and maintain power and control over the other person. I prefer the word “abuse” to “violence” because not all forms of abuse are physical; in fact the forms of abuse that can have the most damaging and long-lasting effects are psychological and emotional.
Why do we use the term “survivor” instead of “victim”?
Whenever we are talking to someone about their experience, we use whatever term they used to describe themselves. When we are leading trainings or writing blogs we use the term survivor. A perpetrator caused the harm and the victimization. The survivor is the one who endured it. Whatever that looks like, they are the ones surviving every day.
How does trauma affect the brain?
Trauma can present in many different ways for individuals and communities. Trauma is a profound and meaningful loss of control. It can be a singular experience or a chronic and ongoing one. How trauma impacts someone has as much to do with what kind of support they did (or didn’t) receive following their experience as it does with the event itself. Everyone has the capacity to heal, but everyone needs (and deserves) support to be able to heal. Trauma can ripple down through generations and ripple out of individuals to impact communities. And so can healing. Healing looks different for everyone but it is most possible when we have someone in our lives who can provide a believing and supportive response.
What does it mean to be trauma-informed?
We understand trauma as a profound and meaningful loss of control. Trauma-informed approaches provide opportunities for choice and empowerment. Not everyone has experienced trauma, but everyone can benefit from a trauma-informed approach to learning and working. Being trauma-informed is meeting each person where they are, embracing humility to recognize that we won’t always know what those around us have experienced. It’s fostering spaces and relationships that foster trust, provide predictability and stability, and providing transparency when we cannot offer choice.
How does gender-based violence affect businesses?
Every company has or will have employees who have been directly or indirectly impacted by domestic or sexual violence. A 2018 national survey of domestic violence survivors found that 83% of respondents reported that their abusive partners disrupted their ability to work. Among those who reported experiencing one or more disruptions, 70% said they were not able to have a job when they wanted or needed one, and 53% said they lost a job because of the abuse. 49% said they missed one or more days of work, 18 % missed out on a promotion or raise, and 38% said they lost out on other work opportunities.
If companies want to invest in their employees’ wellbeing and support their longevity and productivity at work, addressing domestic and sexual violence can be a crucial and even life-changing or lifesaving step. For some survivors, their workplace is one of the few places they experience safety and stability. Workplaces can offer tangible and effective options to help increase an employee’s access to safety and support if they are experiencing abuse.
How can you support someone who has experienced abuse?
Supporting someone who has experienced abuse requires compassion, patience, and understanding. Start by listening without judgment and offering a safe space for them to share their feelings. Educate yourself on the impacts of abuse and the healing process to provide trauma-informed support. Encourage them to seek professional help and respect their boundaries and choices throughout their recovery journey. For more in-depth insights and practical advice, read our blogs on this important topic.
5 Tips for Supporting a Survivor of Sexual Assault
How to Support a Loved One who is Experiencing Abuse (and why this can be so hard)
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How do we support businesses?
What does J.T. Consulting offer to businesses and organizations?
J.T. Consulting provides trainings, leadership development, and retreats designed to strengthen workplace culture, improve communication, and support employee wellbeing. Our work helps organizations build healthier teams, stronger leadership, and more sustainable success.
How do wellbeing trainings improve employee retention?
When employees feel supported, heard, and valued, they are far more likely to stay. Our wellbeing trainings help organizations create environments where people feel psychologically safe, connected to their work, and invested in their teams. This leads to stronger retention and a more engaged workforce.
How can wellbeing impact company profits?
Healthy teams are productive teams. When organizations prioritize wellbeing, they reduce burnout, turnover, and workplace conflict. The result is improved collaboration, stronger leadership, and better decision-making—factors that directly contribute to long-term profitability.
What happens during a J.T. Consulting retreat?
Our retreats create dedicated space for leaders and teams to step away from daily pressures and focus on reflection, strategy, and connection. Through guided discussions, interactive activities, and leadership coaching, participants gain tools to strengthen communication, improve team dynamics, and align around shared goals.
Who should attend these trainings or retreats?
Our programs are designed for business leaders, management teams, HR professionals, and organizations that want to strengthen their workplace culture. Whether you are navigating change, experiencing team tension, or simply want to invest in your people, our work is built to meet you where you are.
Are J.T. Consulting programs customizable?
Yes. Every organization is different. We tailor trainings and retreats to address the specific challenges and goals of your team. This ensures the experience is relevant, practical, and immediately useful for your workplace.
What makes J.T. Consulting’s approach different?
Most consulting focuses only on productivity or performance metrics. At J.T. Consulting, we focus on people. By addressing communication, leadership clarity, and employee wellbeing, we help organizations build stronger cultures that lead to lasting results—both for their teams and their bottom line.
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How do we support K-12 schools and universities?
How does J.T. Consulting support schools?
J.T. Consulting partners with schools to provide professional development, wellbeing trainings, and retreats that support educators, administrators, and staff. Our goal is to help schools build healthier work environments where educators feel supported, communication is stronger, and students benefit from a more connected community.
Why are wellbeing trainings important for educators?
Educators carry significant responsibility, and many experience high levels of stress and burnout. Wellbeing trainings provide practical tools for managing stress, strengthening professional relationships, and maintaining purpose in the work. When educators feel supported, they are better able to support their students.
How can these trainings improve teacher retention?
Teacher turnover often stems from burnout, lack of support, and workplace culture challenges. Our trainings focus on communication, leadership support, and creating environments where educators feel valued and heard. Stronger workplace culture leads to stronger retention.
What happens during a J.T. Consulting retreat for schools?
Our retreats give educators and school leaders time away from daily demands to reflect, reconnect, and strengthen their team. Through guided conversations, leadership exercises, and collaborative activities, participants develop strategies to improve communication, reduce stress, and align around shared goals for their school community.
Who should participate in these trainings or retreats?
Our programs are designed for school leaders, administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff. Anyone who contributes to the learning environment can benefit from the tools and conversations that help strengthen school culture.
Can the trainings be customized for our school or district?
Yes. Every school community is unique. J.T. Consulting works with school leaders to design trainings and retreats that address the specific needs of their staff, whether the focus is educator wellbeing, communication, leadership development, or navigating change.
What makes J.T. Consulting’s work with schools different?
We understand that schools are communities, not just workplaces. Our approach centers empathy, communication, and shared purpose. By supporting the wellbeing of educators and strengthening leadership practices, we help schools build environments where both staff and students can thrive.
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