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Building a Circle of Safety
The Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Protocol is an evidence-informed training and response framework designed to help churches, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, and other community settings recognize warning signs of intimate partner violence, respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns, and provide safe, compassionate, and informed initial support. Developed through Dr. Sebrenna R. Whitlock’s Doctor of Ministry project, the protocol can be adapted to the needs and environment of participating organizations while strengthening their ability to serve as informed and supportive community partners.
The IPV Protocol: A Comprehensive Partnership to Build a Safer Community
The IPV Protocol is more than a training session. It is a collaborative approach to strengthening an organization’s preparedness to recognize and respond to intimate partner violence. Through education, practical guidance, and organization-specific planning, Say Your Name, Inc. works with participating organizations to build knowledge, confidence, and appropriate response practices while reinforcing the importance of survivor-centered, trauma-informed support and connection to established community resources.
Our process includes four distinct phases:
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1. Phase 1: Confidential Needs Assessment
We begin with a confidential conversation to understand your organization’s environment, existing practices, and training needs. This initial assessment helps Say Your Name, Inc. tailor the protocol training and practical guidance to your organization while identifying opportunities to strengthen preparedness and appropriate response practices.
2. Phase 2: The Full IPV Protocol Implementation
This is the core training phase. Participants learn to recognize warning signs of intimate partner violence, respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns, understand important safety considerations, and connect individuals with appropriate community resources. Training is tailored to the organization’s setting and emphasizes compassionate, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered initial support.
3. Phase 3: Organizational Readiness & Support
Following the training, Say Your Name, Inc. will work with participating organizations to reinforce key response practices, identify appropriate internal points of contact, and support the use of relevant community resources and referral pathways. Organizations will be encouraged to integrate what they have learned into their setting in ways that strengthen preparedness, compassionate response, and ongoing awareness of intimate partner violence.
4. Phase 4: Ongoing Partnership & Resources
The relationship can continue beyond the initial training. Say Your Name, Inc. will provide participating organizations with relevant educational resources, updates, and opportunities for continued learning and consultation to help reinforce awareness, preparedness, and appropriate community response over time.
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​Every organization is unique. Contact Say Your Name, Inc. to discuss your organization’s training needs, explore available options, and determine how the IPV Protocol can be adapted to your setting.