Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Survivors of Physical and Sexual Abuse

Program Name:

Sexual Abuse Survivors Program

Organization/Community:

Biidaaban Healing Lodge

Location:

Heron Bay, Ontario

Website:

www.biidaaban.com

Goals and Objectives:

To increase client awareness of how sexual abuse has impacted their relationships with themselves, their families and their communities.

Target Group Description:

Men and women (Ages 18 and over)

Program Description:

The program looks at the whole cycle of sexual abuse, from childhood to adulthood and works to end the cycle and support healing. The program provides a safe, supportive environment in which clients will examine the impact sexual abuse has had on their lives, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The program offers an introduction to statistics and information regarding sexual abuse in both mainstream and First Nations communities and develops an historical "map" of abuse in the participant's family of origin. Participants walk the medicine wheel, pipe ceremonies are used to create intent, sweat lodges are held before and after core treatment, "letting go" ceremonies are held, and blessings are held at program completion.

Program Successes/Impact:

Seeing an actual, positive physical change in the clients.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

N/A

Program in operation since:

1998.

Program:

Ongoing.