Domestic Violence and Suicide (Sunday, March 28, first session; repeats in second session)

Faculty: Portia Rawles, Psy.D.

Domestic violence and suicide in the workplace are two very relevant issues for women. Yet within the fire service, training and discussions over a proper response either internally (when the victim or perpetrator is a firefighter) or externally have not been fully explored. This workshop will familiarize participants with these two types of workplace violence and provide an understanding of their impact on fire service personnel and the work environment. It will offer practical guidelines and steps that should be implemented before, during, and after either situation has occurred. It is the intent of this workshop to provide participants with enough information and knowledge to allow them to develop appropriate policies and procedures at the administrative/departmental level. It will also provide company officers with training to help them recognize and respond effectively to firefighters under their command who have been affected by these situations.

About the faculty:
Portia D. Rawles is Assistant Professor of Psychology at Regent University in Virginia. She holds a Psy. D. in Clinical Psychology from Regent University, and a bachelor's degree from Stanford. Before becoming a
licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Rawles worked for Norfolk, Virginia, Fire & Rescue for thirteen years, rising to the rank of captain. She continues to serve on her local CISM team and to consult with public safety agencies on diversity and CISD issues.