Services to Survivors Experiencing Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence

During the 2024 ORR Survivor of Torture Recipient Meeting, held in Washington, DC on March 20th, 2024 there were three Peer Learning Sessions. These sessions allowed different programs to inform those at the meetings, of the specific work they were doing to assist survivors on specific topics. During this Peer Learning Session on Services to Survivors Experiencing Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence, three comprehensive presentations were delivered, each centering on specialized services dedicated to supporting survivors grappling with the complexities of domestic or intimate partner violence. The lineup of presenters encompassed Thong Daniel Jeng, Martha Musalia, and Sylvia Acevedo, each bringing their expertise and insights to illuminate strategies and resources essential for aiding survivors in their journey towards healing and empowerment.

Presentation One: Martha Musalia on Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Violence Among Afghan Refugees: A Survivor of Torture Client Case Presentation

Description: This presentation focuses on an Afghan secondary survivor of torture client case involving domestic violence that staff from the Survivors of Torture Recovery Center (STRC) in Bowling Green, Kentucky, provided services to over the past year and a half. Specifically, the case presentation will provide background information on the client and their family including domestic violence incident/history. Screening, assessment, and services provided and outcomes achieved by the client will be discussed.

Presentation Two: Sylvia Acevedo on In house intimate partner violence services for survivors and perpetrators

Description: In 2019 Gulf Coast JFCS was awarded funding to provide in house IPV services. In the first iteration of the grant services were focused on training and technical assistance. The DV Liaison provided staff with training, trained local domestic violence centers to be culturally responsive and accessible. In the most recent grant cycle services have focused on providing survivors with direct services to include:
• Confidential services
• Referrals and Accompaniment
• Case Consultations
• Injunctions for Protection
• Registration with Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)
• Safety Plans
• Family Wellness Plan
Gulf Coast JFCS’, Florida Center for Survivors of Torture, Senior Director will present on steps to providing culturally responsive IPV services using the whole family approach.

Presentation Three: Thong Daniel Jeng on Coordinating with CPS

Description: Thong Daniel Jeng will address the Carolina Survivors Clinic’s collaborative efforts with Child Protective Services (CPS), the courts, and families. The discussion will focus on the essential services and resources required to effectively support patients and their families in their journey towards achieving family reunification.

Presenter Bios:

• Dr. Martha Musalia is a dedicated mental health professional with a rich background in higher education and social work, holding a Ph.D. in African Gender History and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Since 2018, she has served as a mental health therapist deeply involved in working with refugee populations. She has worked with Survivors of Torture Recovery Center in Bowling Green since its inception in 2021. She speaks fluent Swahili, which is an added advantage when working with Swahili-speaking refugees. Her therapeutic philosophy centers around developing the whole person, recognizing the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual’s life. With a specialization in trauma-informed social work, she is well-equipped to work with individuals facing challenges of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Passionate about creating a positive impact and fostering resilience, Dr. Musalia desires to contribute to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through a compassionate and trauma-informed approach to social work.
• Sylvia Acevedo has been with Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services (Gulf Coast) since 2013 where she currently serves as Senior Director of Refugee Services. She has over 25 years of nonprofit leadership, dedicating much of her focus on developing and overseeing programs that address the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations, particularly for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. In previous years, her work focused on developing outreach programs to migrant workers vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking. She also led, initiatives to build capacity around creating welcoming and affirming services for LGBTQ refugees/immigrants.
  In her current role as Senior Director of Refugee Services, she provides direction and administrative oversight to a full continuum of Refugee Programs within the state of Florida. Sylvia serves as President for Mi Gente Mi Pueblo, Inc., Vice President for the National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs, Co-Chair of the NJHSA Newcomer Net, and Community of Practice for ORR’s NICA Welcome. Sylvia received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lynn University and her Master of Laws from St. Thomas University School of Law in Intercultural Human Rights. Sylvia is also a Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor.
• Thong Daniel Jeng is the Refugee Counselor for the Carolina Survivor Clinic (CSC). He earned his M.Ed. of Counselor Education and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Augusta University. Prior to joining CSC, Daniel was a Child and Family Therapist with the South Carolina Youth Advocacy Program (SCYAP), 2nd largest foster care agency in South Carolina. Daniel also has experience in refugee resettlement as an Education Intern at the IRC, AmeriCorps Employment Member at Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services of Atlanta (RRISA), and finally as the Housing Coordinator for New American Pathways. Daniel is also the son of a Vietnamese refugee, born and raised in Clarkston, GA.