The Science, Forensics, and Cultural Impact of Strangulation
Coming Soon!
Sacred Bodies, Sovereign Voices explores strangulation through the lenses of science, forensics, law, culture, and tribal sovereignty. Designed for advocates, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, legal personnel, and tribal programs, this course builds culturally informed skills to identify invisible injuries, understand high-lethality risk, document medical and legal concerns, and respond in ways that honor Native survivor safety, body sovereignty, cultural safety, and community-led healing.
Learning Objectives- Identify physical, neurological, psychological, and spiritual impacts of strangulation, including signs that may be invisible or delayed.
- Explain legal, medical, and jurisdictional considerations affecting strangulation response in tribal communities.
- Apply culturally safe, survivor-centered practices that support Native survivor empowerment, confidentiality, and healing.
WSC Health and Wellness
WSC Health and Wellness is a collection of culturally grounded resources that support healing, resilience, and well-being for survivors, advocates, and communities. Materials in this section emphasize restoration of balance across emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical health, with practical exercises that can be used individually or in supportive group settings.
Health, Harmony, Hope - Child SA Workbooks
The Health, Harmony, Hope: Practitioner’s Resource Workbook;" is a culturally informed training guide addressing child sexual assault in Native American communities. Developed by the Washington State Native American Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (WomenSpirit Coalition), authored by Dee Koester, M.S. and Anna Mayes, M.A.Ed., it integrates Indigenous perspectives, historical context, and healing frameworks. Tools like the “Abuse of Native Children Wheel” and “Three Sisters Interview Framework” support trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice that honors tribal sovereignty, resilience, and the sacredness of Native children.
The Health, Harmony, Hope: Parent & Child Workbook is designed to support Native families, child practitioners, and community members in creating safe, culturally grounded pathways for children to heal, grow, and thrive. Rooted in Indigenous storytelling traditions and guided by the Health, Harmony, Hope Parent & Child Workbook, the course offers a unique framework for teaching body safety, building resilience, and strengthening family connections in ways that honor tribal values and traditions.
Participants will explore three central themes: My Body is Sacred, My Body is Safe, and My Body is Sovereign. Each theme is introduced through traditional stories, such as The Sacred Journey of Jumping Mouse, Little Bear’s Sacred Blanket, and Brave Turtle’s Spirit of Truth. These stories teach children that their bodies are worthy of respect, that they have the right to set boundaries, and that their voices are powerful in protecting themselves and others.
AI / AN Indigenous Advocate Core SA, DV, & The Theory of Hope
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence within the context of historical trauma and its lasting impact on Native American communities.
- Evaluate culturally-specific healing approaches, including traditional practices, that foster restoration, empowerment, and sovereignty for Native American women.
- Apply trauma-informed advocacy principles and strategies to effectively support and empower Native American women who have experienced violence.
Peace Joy Wisdom
Here you will find a collection of resources addressing domestic violence for tribal communities provided by WomenSpiritCoalition, including:
- Peace Joy Wisdom Domestic Violence Intervention Workbook
- Peace Joy Wisdom Domestic Violence Our Lived Way Workbook
- Peace Joy Wisdom Domestic Violence Resource Workbook
WomenSpirit SA Program Needs Assessments
The purpose of the WSC Needs Assessment is:
- To ensure service providers are qualified to provide culture-specific services.
- To provide program staff with access to high quality training.
- To enhance service delivery systems and services to those who experience sexual violence.
- To provide information related to sexual assault services and prevention activities.
If anyone wants to use these resources, please contact WomenSpirit Coalition for permission to use in part or whole any portions of this curriculum.
Safe, Sacred, and Sovereign
WomenSpirit Coalition (WSC) introduces ‘Safe, Sacred, and Sovereign,’ a series of culture specific workbooks for Native American communities providing sexual assault services programs. Safe, Sacred, and Sovereign is a culturally modified and enhanced training and technical assistance resource that aligns with the Washington State Sexual Assault Service Standards. The content of each workbook is supported by research, data, and best practices for trauma-healing informed counseling used in Indigenous communities.
Safe, Sacred, and Sovereign uses a culture specific trauma-healing informed approach. We provide empowering information, culturally responsive interventions, and personal reclamation education. Each workbook was created with the person who has experienced sexual assault in mind. We gave careful consideration to our Native teachings, ways, and contexts to support Native communities providing sexual assault services programs with best or promising practice related to their advocacy.
If anyone wants to use these resources, please contact WomenSpirit Coalition for permission to use in part or whole any portions of this curriculum.