Advancing knowledge and practice on gender-based violence, abuse and trauma-informed approaches
abuse devastates individuals, communities, and society
Intimate partner violence - also called domestic violence, family violence, sexual assault, or intimate partner abuse - is a widespread public health crisis that shatters lives, families and communities. IPV results in psychological trauma such as PTSD, depression and anxiety and physical injuries that cause short and long-term health consequences and chronic pain. Victims frequently report a loss of health, housing, employment, financial stability and report being retraumatized by the very systems meant to assist them. In too many cases, IPV becomes lethal, resulting in victims' deaths.
The impact of this public health crisis reverberates in workplaces, communities, schools, healthcare, economies and societies - sometimes for generations. Numbers reveal the scale:
- 1 in 3 women will be abused in their lifetime
- 3 women die every day in the US from domestic violence
- Domestic violence costs employers $1.8 Billion in lost productivity every year in the US
- Lifetime costs for sexual assault in the US equals $1.2 trillion in medical costs, $1.6 trillion in lost productivity at work for victims and perpetrators, and $234 billion in criminal justice costs
IPV is a complex issue. Myths abound about prevention, intervention and solutions. Ill-informed, uncoordinated systems and professionals can lead to greater harm, putting victims at higher risk of being seriously injured or killed.
Anassa Consulting offers victim-centered, trauma-informed expertise to support your efforts to address, reduce and prevent IPV and support survivors safety and wellbeing.
who we are
Erica Olson, M.S.S., M.L.S.P. - Founder
Erica Olson is a consultant, trainer and subject matter expert specializing in gender-based violence and trauma-informed care and management. Ms. Olson draws on 20+ years of experience in direct services, program management, policy, and applied research to advise and support nonprofits, government agencies, and the private sector in advancing their knowledge and practices around domestic abuse and family violence, sexual assault, and trauma. Ms. Olson has been appointed to multiple state and national efforts, including the CDC’s Rape Prevention and Education Program and the National Violent Death Reporting System. She is the former Director of the NJ Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board and has co-authored curricula, policy, regulations, and legislation. Her work and recommendations have been adopted at state and national levels and she is published in the peer-reviewed Victims and Violence. Ms. Olson holds a Masters in Social Service and a Masters in Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College, Expert Witness Certification through the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and a Certificate in Public Policy Analysis from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
