October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to recognize survivors, their families, and the professionals who support them.
For individuals who have experienced domestic violence, the effects of trauma can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Even when someone is physically safe, their nervous system may remain highly activated, making it difficult to concentrate, process information, communicate clearly, or access coping skills they already know.
These challenges can become especially significant during moments when survivors are being asked to make important decisions, share difficult experiences, or navigate unfamiliar systems.
Regulation isn’t the end goal. It’s what regulation allows someone to do next.
The Value of In-the-Moment Regulation
During heightened distress, even familiar coping skills can be difficult to access. Having a resource that requires very little active effort can be particularly valuable.
Bi-Tapp provides alternating tactile bilateral stimulation through two wearable tappers. Because the tappers do the tapping for the individual, they require little active effort to use. This allows individuals to receive bilateral tapping while participating in difficult conversations, forensic interviews, completing paperwork, testifying in court, experiencing unexpected trauma-related triggers, or trying to sleep.
What Professionals Are Observing
Kasidy, a forensic interviewer with the Washington County Attorney’s Office, shared an experience involving a survivor who was highly traumatized, as evidenced by her shaking during the interview. After the survivor began using the tappers, Kasidy observed her visibly calm down, relax, and provide a clear disclosure.
Research also provides a reason to explore this approach. A 2025 Study examining alternating tactile bilateral stimulation reported increased heart-rate variability, reduced respiration rate, and changes in frontal EEG activity—physiological findings consistent with reduced arousal. These findings highlight the potential value of this resource during moments of heightened stress and trauma-related activation.
Supporting Survivors and Those Who Support Them
Survivors often need to make important decisions, share difficult experiences, and navigate unfamiliar systems while managing the effects of trauma. The advocates, law enforcement officers, forensic interviewers, therapists, and other professionals supporting them may also experience the effects of repeated exposure to traumatic situations.
Bi-Tapp offers an in-the-moment regulation resource for both survivors and professionals who support them.
The goal isn’t simply to help someone feel calmer. It’s to help them access the abilities, resources, and support they need to take their next step.
Supporting survivors. Supporting those who support them.