Bystander Support

The Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) understand not all wounds can be seen and bystanders can be impacted after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. First responders have programs in place to help them after they’ve experienced a traumatic call, but often bystanders who are not regularly exposed to trauma may be confused by what they’re experiencing or where to go to for help. It’s natural to feel afraid, anxious, sad or angry. Most people will recover from these symptoms and their reactions will lessen over time. Those who continue to experience symptoms may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or simply may need to speak to someone to help put things into perspective.

These emotions are normal and there are many resources available. Below is a list of resources compiled by RAA and RHHD to help those who may need it. If you or someone you know is struggling, do not hesitate to contact someone.

Resources

Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

Traumatic experiences can be dehumanizing, shocking or terrifying, singular or multiple compounding events over time, and often include betrayal of a trusted person or institution and a loss of safety.

A trauma-informed approach to care “realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved in the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices, and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.”

Healing is possible. Trauma-informed care is an approach to engaging people with histories of trauma that recognizes the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma has played in their lives.

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Bon Secours Violence Response Team

The Bon Secours Violence Response Team consists of specially trained forensic nurses and victim services advocates that are available at all Bon Secours Richmond hospitals and freestanding emergency departments.

When responding to a call, a forensic nurse and victim services advocate respond in tandem to victims of violence. The work of these two roles is complementary: together, they offer comprehensive care including specialized medical attention, evidence collection, emotional support, advocacy support, hospital accompaniment, follow-up phone calls and referrals for community resources.

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VCU Trauma Survivors Support Group

Together We Can: Trauma Survivors Support Group provides peer support for trauma survivors and their families who may be having difficulty coping with recovery or just want to find strength in others who are walking in the same shoes. These support groups are facilitated by VCU Health and VCU team members in conjunction with the Trauma Survivors Network. We encourage you to take this time for yourself and be supportive of fellow trauma survivors who may be in different places in their healing journey.

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Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Disaster Distress Helpline

En Español

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: To connect directly to an agent in American Sign Language, click the “ASL Now” button below or call 1-800-985-5990 from your videophone. ASL Support is available 24/7. FAQs for ASL NOW users.

Counseling Services

The helpline puts people in need of counseling on the path to recovery. When you call or text, crisis counselors listen to what’s on your mind with patience and without judgment. DDH is staffed by trained counselors from a network of crisis call centers located across the United States, who provide:

Crisis counseling for people in emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster
Information on how to recognize distress and its effects on individuals and families
Referrals to local crisis call centers for additional follow-up care and support
Healthy coping tips

YWCA of Richmond

YWCA Richmond is a partner of EmpowerNet, a regional network of 6 domestic and sexual violence agencies in the Greater Richmond area. We collaborate to provide comprehensive crisis and recovery services across the region to help survivors find healing and stability.

24/7 Crisis Hotline – Call or text 804-612-6126
Creating a safety plan
Information on leaving a dangerous situation
Emergency shelter
Hospital accompaniment
Individual and group mental health counseling
Case management
Legal advocacy
Workforce navigation
Referrals and resources

Greater Richmond SCAN

Greater Richmond SCAN is the only local nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect in the Greater Richmond area. SCAN was founded in 1991 in response to the rapidly growing rate of child abuse and neglect in the City of Richmond and the surrounding counties.

How does SCAN help keep children safe?

SCAN provides the awareness, support, advocacy, treatment and education needed to enhance the lives of children. SCAN’s services promote positive parenting, strengthen families and help create a community that values and cares for its children. Our programs include: The Family Support Program (FSP), The Child Advocacy Centers (CAC), Richmond Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), The Circle Preschool Program (CPP) and Community Programs.

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