Exploring the Intersections of Domestic & Sexual Violence, Substance Use, and Pregnancy: A Framework for Understanding and Response



July 18, 2024 | 11:00 am CT

FREE | 1.5 hour CE/CME

During this webinar, Crystal Garcia with the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) and Jennifer Mudge with the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) will discuss the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence and their impact on pregnant and postpartum survivors. They will explore the intersection between traumatic experiences and substance use. The session will conclude with strategies and practices for providing universal education and responding to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Crystal Garcia

Content Coordinator

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

(TAASA)

Crystal M. Garcia, a survivor leader with over 20 years of experience, is the Content Coordinator at TAASA. Her advocacy for Trauma-Informed Care has earned her the 2013 TAASA Community Engagement Award and the 2016 NSVRC Visionary Voice Award. Crystal is a speaker, activist, and solo mom. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health from Texas Tech, a master’s in Population Health Management from Johns Hopkins, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Health at Capella University.

Jennifer Mudge

Public Policy Coordinator

Texas Council on Family Violence

(TCFV)

Jennifer Mudge is a licensed social worker (LMSW) and currently is a Public Policy Coordinator for the Texas Council on Family Violence. Jennifer has nearly 20 years of experience in diverse social work settings, with a focus on serving and working alongside survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. Jennifer’s work with survivors has spanned direct advocacy services, clinical therapeutic settings, and statewide policy efforts. Jennifer also has experience in research, which has centered on the effectiveness of community-based services for survivors of intimate partner violence, as well as the experiences of pregnant women with opioid use disorder participating in a wrap-around service model. Jen has passionate interests in nature-based healing, grief work, dance, and elder rescue pitties like her dog Jazz.

This project is supported by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Health, Office of Women’s Health as part of award #ASTWH220122, totaling $1,799,000 with zero percentage financed with non-governmental sources.

The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor are they endorsed by OASH, OWH or the U.S. Government.