This brief guide is meant to offer some guidance for advocates in helping victim-defendants prepare for court. It offers some suggestions for making a self-care plan to help manage the stress of court. It is also meant to inspire self-care practices that can be done anywhere – and at any moment – whether in court, the holding cell, jail, on the streets, or at home. This guide does not include the full range of practices that are available, nor are the practices included here always possible because of the many barriers to wellbeing and care that exist within the criminal legal system. By working together, however, an advocate and criminalized survivor may be able to tailor a plan that will work for that particular survivor’s specific needs and circumstances.
