Better became possible.

Impact Story: Expanding survivor support from one location to all 50 states.*

How a California-based nonprofit transformed individual expertise into a digital tool that could reach survivors nationwide.

The Challenge

A national nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence wanted to make its financial compensation guidance available to more people. But scaling wasn’t as simple as putting information online and they didn’t have the funding to “just hire a bigger legal team.” Adding to the challenge, compensation options and processes vary by state, and survivors were often navigating them during an already difficult time. The organization needed a way to expand access to this guidance beyond California, without losing the personalized guidance, care, and nuance of its one-on-one support.

Looking Beneath the Surface

Through thoughtfully conducted trauma-informed interviews, survivors describe the practical and emotional barriers they encountered when seeking financial compensation. Experiences were mapped to understand where people became confused, overwhelmed, or needed more guidance. At the same time, the nonprofit’s team was brought in to understand their expertise, legal requirements, capacity, and what needed to remain true to their trauma-informed approach.

Reframing the Opportunity

What emerged was a bigger question than how to put existing information online: How could this organization make its legal expertise available to more survivors while still creating an experience that felt personal, supportive, and responsive to individual circumstances? That shift helped focus the work to creating greater access without losing the care and nuance that made the existing support valuable.

Exploring & Testing Ideas

What was learned was translated into different ways survivors could navigate complex information and receive guidance relevant to their situation and location. Starting with simple guided flows, then testing and refining prototypes before moving toward a more developed decision tool, helped ensure success. Each round of learning shaped the experience around survivors’ needs while accounting for the nonprofit’s legal expertise, trauma-informed principles, and organizational realities.

What Became Possible

The resulting digital experience translated complex, state-specific information into personalized guidance survivors could access wherever they lived. A service once limited by geography and staff could now reach survivors across all 50 states. Just as importantly, expanding access didn’t require sacrificing the thoughtfulness and care at the heart of the organization’s approach.

*Project completed by Obcura Ray’s co-founder while employed at a previous consulting firm.