[WiLT] Guide to running support groups for victims and survivors of domestic violence

[WiL Admin]

Guide to running support groups for victims and survivors of domestic
violence

(sorry if this duplicates info you've already received as a subscriber
to womensgrid http://womensgrid.freecharity.org.uk/?p=1498)

* Power to Change is a new European resource to help victims of
domestic violence.
* It is a practical guide to running support groups and self-help
groups with victims and survivors of domestic violence.

About The Power to Change

Domestic violence is a widespread problem affecting as many as 1 in 4
women in their lifetimes and can have long-term effects. Many women
experience loss of confidence and low self-esteem as a result of being
in an abusive relationship, and self help support groups - based on
the principles of building self-esteem and empowerment - are an
important addition to the range of existing specialist services,
including refuges.

The Power to Change manual provides a programme of education and
support in a group setting to women who are, or have been, in abusive
relationships. The manual also gives detailed information about how to
set up such support groups safely including checklists for
facilitators, who have a central role in making the sessions safe,
supportive and inclusive. The manual has been tested through
consultation with a practitioners and service users across the five
countries. It will be a valuable resource for specialist staff working
in existing specialist services for victims of domestic and sexual
violence across Europe, as well as relevant specialists with expert
domestic violence knowledge working in statutory and other
organisations, such as health and social care.

Background to The Power to Change

Women's Aid joined together with NANE in Hungary, Associazione
Artemisi in Italy, MTÜ Naiste Varjupaik in Estonia and Associacao de
Mulheres Contra a Violencia in Portugal to create a unique resource
that draws on their collective experience. The guide was funded by the
European Commission's Daphne initiative.

To download the manual (in PDF) or to order the manual for £10
(including p&p) go to
http://www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-violence-articles.asp?itemid=1841&itemTitle=Guide+to+running+support+groups&section=00010001002200370001&sectionTitle=Articles%3A+domestic+violence+services