Family Violence Initiative

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

HISTORICAL LEGACY

Healing and Renewal of Family Roles and Responsibilities

Program Name:

Women's Healing – Play Circle Program / Breaking the Silence Program /Family Violence Prevention Program

Organization/Community:

The Native Women's Transition Centre Inc.

Location:

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Website:

www.nativewomens.mb.ca

Goals and Objectives:

To assist in providing an extended family support system for the Aboriginal women who desire to undertake their own healing journeys to assist in stopping the cycles of violence against women.

Target Group Description:

Aboriginal Women.

Program Description:

The Women's Healing / Play Circle Program deals with the traumatic effects of residential schools through the tools of play and humour. The Breaking the Silence Program is a ten week program that seeks to help Aboriginal women that have suffered from the violence of childhood sexual abuse. It provides screened participants with the opportunity to share their stories in a safe, caring environment and to gain further knowledge of their own power and control. The Family Violence Prevention Program is designed to assist Aboriginal women and children heal from the results of family violence, by obtaining education, awareness, personal counselling and support within the context of cultural appropriate teachings.

Program Successes/Impact:

Clients successfully completing the program is our best success.

Key Lesson/Challenge:

Obtaining funding. There is a lack of understanding of the complexities involved in addressing violence against Aboriginal women.

Program in operation since:

Approx. 1980.

Program:

Ongoing.