The Arc Maryland Personal Space Program Curriculum Guide | Page 18

Know Your State’s Laws Governing Privacy, Confidentiality, and Reporting
Before you begin planning, familiarize yourself with your State’s laws governing privacy,
confidentiality, and reporting. Most states have reporting laws and regulations that require
an individual in a professional role to report cases of assault or exploitation against a
“vulnerable adult.” Make sure you and other trainers know what laws and rules you are
governed by and the appropriate steps to take should a class participant self-expose a past or
current experience with violence or exploitation.
Prepare to Respond to Survivors
The Personal SPACE Program deals with emotionally charged issues and may trigger
participants’ memories of traumatic events. Long before you begin teaching classes, we
recommend that a partnership be formed between the local organization that provides
services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, the organizations that support
and advocate for women with developmental disabilities, and police. In the Appendices you
will find a list of State organizations that can provide information on local resource
organizations and services. Further information on building partnerships with victim
assistance agencies can be found through The Arc of the United States at www.thearc.org.
In an ideal world, a professional trained to respond to the needs of a sexual assault or
domestic violence survivor would be part of the training team or on-site as a support person.
In reality this is not always possible. It is important therefore for at least one trainer or
support person to provide crisis intervention if a participant self-discloses.
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Contact your local victim assistance agency while planning your program and
have a personal contact with them before you actually begin training.
If the individual discloses in the group, ask her if she would like to talk more
privately.
Assure the individual that she did not cause the violence and it is not her fault.
Listen to the individual and validate her emotions.
Respond in a calm and supportive manner. Let her know she is safe and you
want to help.
Tell the individual that she has friends who want to help and support her.
Be clear about what you must tell others. Maintain whatever level of
confidentiality you agree to within the confines of the law. Explain what you
will do and make sure you follow through.
Follow the laws and regulations set out by your state . Follow through with
contacting resources and completing any reports required of you.

Form Diverse Groups
Before you begin organizing classes, determine who the class participants will be. Personal
SPACE is not recommended for children nor for individuals who have recently experienced
violence and who have not received individual counseling. Participants in Personal SPACE
classes do benefit from being in a group with diversity in background, experience, and
abilities. During our classes, participants with less support needs often assisted participants
in need of more support by urging them on during role plays and rewording lessons to better

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