Webinar Description

Autonomy and power-sharing are core ethical principles in victim advocacy—but they can be difficult to navigate in real-world practice.

Advocates regularly hold access to information, resources, systems, and authority, even when their intention is to support rather than direct. This webinar takes a closer look at how power shows up in advocacy relationships and how well-intentioned helping can sometimes drift into influence, pressure, or over-responsibility. Designed specifically for victim advocates, this one-hour session explores the ethical tension between supporting safety and honoring survivor autonomy. Participants will examine common advocacy scenarios where power imbalances arise, reflect on how personal values and professional roles shape decision-making, and learn practical strategies for sharing power while remaining ethical, transparent, and supportive. The webinar emphasizes reflection, ethical awareness, and skillful restraint—recognizing that ethical advocacy is not about controlling outcomes, but about honoring choice, dignity, and self-determination.

Instructor

Dr. Kate Watson, Dr.PH

President

Dr. Watson holds a Master of Education in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, a Doctorate in Health Policy and Social Justice from Drexel University, and a Certificate of Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. She is the President and Founder of The Advocacy Academy, which is a consulting company focused on the development of skilled victim and family advocates to reduce violence around the world. Through her work with The Advocacy Academy, she has conducted educational workshops in 32 states, 8 countries, and across many fields: healthcare, education, social services, financial advising, victim advocacy, corrections, and leadership. On average, Dr. Watson speaks to 10,000 live audience members each year. She is an on-going consultant to the Department of Defense, the NFL, and to major television networks. In addition to her speaking and consulting work, Dr. Watson sits on the Board of Directors for The Lady Parts Collective, which is a Los Angeles-based theater company specializing in the development of work relevant to women in the United States. She is also a Director Emeritus for the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers. Dr. Watson is the author of three books: (1) The Embodied Advocate, (2) Motivational Interviewing for Victim Advocates, and (3) Only Trying to Help, which is also the name of her podcast, available at www.OnlyTryingToHelp.com.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for victim advocates, family advocates, and child advocates who respond to cases of power-based violence. While social workers, case managers, healthcare providers, educators, and therapists are welcome to take this course (and may gain a lot from it!), it is not specifically designed for them. All of the examples and case studies include scenarios related to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking. 

FAQ

  • What can I expect from a "LIVE" course?

    Upon purchase, you will have access to a learning platform with a welcome message, a Zoom link, and some resources to review. On the date of the live course, you will log in to your Thinkific account and click the link to the Zoom meeting. There is no pre-work required, but some resources (articles, videos, etc.) might be available for you to enjoy ahead of time. Learners will have access to the platform and it's resources for 1 month after the live event.

  • What can I expect from an "on demand" course?

    Upon purchase, you will have access to a learning platform with videos, exercises, quizzes, and articles. Complete the course materials at your own place. Some learners will finish in one sitting, while others may take several days or weeks. Learners will have access for 90 days (3 months) from the time of purchase, unless they have purchased a subscription package, which allows ongoing access beyond 3 months.

  • I'm curious about the "custom" options. What are they?

    The Advocacy Academy can build a course tailored to the needs of your organization/ team. The course can be designed in many different ways: (1) In Thinkific (like an on demand course), (2) Live on Zoom, or (3) Live onsite at your company/ organization. Email [email protected] to set up a meeting to discuss.

  • Will I receive CEUs if I participate in a course?

    If you are looking for CEUs for credentialed advocates, NACP or D-SAACP are the accrediting bodies for that certification. On their websites, they indicate that you do not need pre-approval for CEU courses that you may take. Anything related to victim advocacy should count. The staff at The Advocacy Academy can help with any documentation that you need. If you are looking for social work, nursing, or any other kind of CEUs, please contact your accrediting body to find out the requirements. Typically, we able to provide the proper documentation needed for professionals across many disciplines to receive CEUs. It might just require a little leg work!

  • Can I enroll my entire team?

    Yes. If you have a large group of people to enroll, email [email protected] for assistance. You can just send a list with each person's name and email address. We can upload it to the system, rather than entering them one at a time.

  • How do I enroll in all of the courses at once?

    From our homepage, find the option titled "Ultimate Advocate Bundle." You can enroll in all of the on demand courses at a discounted rate, and you will receive a year of access, rather than the standard 30 days that usually comes with an on demand course.

  • I still have a question. What should I do?

    Email [email protected]