Support for Mental Health Care Providers
Training
Training Programs for Professionals
Our training programs are research-based, trauma- and violence-informed, and designed specifically for mental health professionals.
ODARA 101
ODARA 101 introduces the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment, an evidence-based tool used to estimate the likelihood of future Intimate Partner Violence. This training walks participants through the purpose, structure, and scoring of the ODARA, and offers guidance on how to use risk information ethically and collaboratively in safety planning and clinical decision-making.
Clinician Training Opportunities
This training stream supports mental health professionals in integrating intimate partner and gender-based violence considerations into their everyday work. Participants learn how to ask about violence safely, respond to disclosures, collaborate on safety plans, and connect people with appropriate services, while maintaining a trauma- and violence-informed stance.
Resources
Resources You May Find Helpful
These resources are designed to help you learn more and provide trauma- and violence-informed care.
Resource Spotlight – Helpful Videos for Domestic Violence Survivors and Providers
This resource provides free, recorded webinars presented by Domestic Shelters to educate intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors, domestic violence professionals and support providers.
Tools for Practice – Caring for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Survivors in Mental Health Settings
Survivors of intimate partner violence often experience negative health consequences, including struggles with mental health. Learn about how service providers can provide trauma-and violence-informed care for survivors of intimate partner violence.
Clinician’s Point of View – With Dr. Emma Duchesne
Dr. Emma Duchesne, Emergency Medicine physician and researcher shares her thoughts on the current state of intimate partner and gender-based violence research, patient care in the Emergency Department and future directions for improvement.
Responding to Disclosures of Domestic Violence
A disclosure of domestic violence often occurs within a survivor’s personal network, which can include family, friends, colleagues, or neighbours. Learn about ways to respond to disclosures of domestic violence.
Four Principles of Trauma-and Violence-Informed Care
Trauma-and Violence-Informed Care (TVIC) ensures the safety of those seeking care. Learn about the four principles of Trauma-and Violence-Informed Care .
Community & Engagement
Community Events You May Find Helpful
Workshops, groups, and community events support safer, more trauma- and violence-informed care. Explore upcoming offerings for mental health professionals from Mhaven and our partners.
Mhaven 2027: From Vision to Action
Join us March 24-25, 2027 for this two-day community event that will bring together people working across gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) research, prevention, response, support, and recovery.
Contribute To Mhaven
How to Get Involved
From sharing feedback on this website to contributing to our story collection or participating in research, there are many ways to get involved. Mhaven welcomes your experiences and ideas to help shape safer, more responsive supports.
Share Your Story
Your lived experience with Intimate Partner Violence could inspire others to reach out for help. And sharing can support your own healing journey.
Participate in Research
Participation is voluntary, carefully guided by ethics and privacy safeguards, and you choose what, how, and how much to share.
Donate
Your donation helps people struggling right now and supports a future where no one should live in fear of violence.
