🛡️ Survivor Escort Micro-Badge

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Why It Matters

Survivors and witnesses often face intimidation, retraumatization, or confusion in legal spaces.
A trained escort provides calm navigation, emotional grounding, and discreet support so they can move safely and confidently without drawing attention.

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What You'll Learn

1. Soft Navigation – Guiding through checkpoints, security, and waiting areas with minimal visibility.
2. Trauma-Informed Presence – Recognizing stress signs and using grounding techniques.
3. Boundary & Consent Protocols – Always offering choices, never imposing support.
4. Coordination with Legal Teams – Working seamlessly with attorneys and marshals.

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Trauma-Informed Techniques

• Grounding Phrases:
  “Would you like me beside or behind you?”
  “We can stop or leave at any time.”

• Non-Verbal Comfort Cues:

  • Hand squeeze or nod to signal pause.
  • Pre-agreed exit phrase or gesture.

• De-escalation Readiness:

  • Calm tone, minimal words.
  • Position between survivor and perceived threat if needed.

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Courthouse Navigation Basics

• Before Entering:

  • Review prohibited items (no weapons, certain electronics).
  • Locate bathrooms, quiet spaces, emergency exits.
  • Confirm meeting point with attorney.

• During Escort:

  • Walk at a calm, steady pace.
  • Avoid loud conversations or visible displays that draw attention.
  • Keep awareness of exits and possible safe zones.

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Threat & Stress Response Protocols

1. Comfort Check: Notice shaking, shallow breathing, blank stare.
2. Grounding: Apply 5-4-3-2-1 method or breathing cues if consented.
3. Positioning: Place yourself as a buffer if approached.
4. Early Exit: If safety or emotional state declines, initiate pre-agreed exit plan and notify legal team.

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Escort Flow

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Quick Action Steps

1. Always ask for consent before physical or verbal guidance.
2. Know layouts and quiet areas in advance (bathrooms, exits, regroup points).
3. Stay neutral and steady, even in confrontational environments.
4. Debrief after escort with the survivor (and legal team if needed) to identify follow-up needs.

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Risks & Red Lines

• Overstepping can disempower or embarrass the survivor.
• Drawing attention can escalate risks or intimidation.
• Never share personal or case information with anyone outside the legal team.

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Scenario Drill

"During a hearing, the opposing party approaches aggressively while the survivor freezes:

1. Move calmly between them.
2. Use grounding phrase: “We can leave now if you’re ready.”
3. Guide to a quiet space or exit as pre-planned.
4. Notify legal team discreetly and reassess safety.

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Certification Checklist

• Can escort survivors or witnesses discreetly through legal/public spaces.
• Provides trauma-informed, consent-based support consistently.
• Knows local courthouse layout and security protocols.
• Can execute grounding techniques and exit plans under stress.
• Debriefs after each escort to refine support.

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Resource Appendix

• Local Courthouse Cheat Sheets (security rules, quiet spaces, emergency contacts).
• Grounding Technique Cards (scripts + quick reference).
• De-escalation & Threat Response Tips for escorts.
• Roleplay Scenarios: Media encounters, confrontations, dissociation episodes.