Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Family Violence Interventions

Program Name:

Grandmother's House

Organization/Community:

Native Council of Prince Edward Island

Location:

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Website:

www.ncpei.com/programs_grandmothers_house.php

Goals and Objectives:

To support vulnerable women in a safe environment, using Aboriginal culture as the primary approach, to reduce vulnerability to violence and abuse.

Target Group Description:

Women who are vulnerable (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal)

Program Description:

At intake, the Medicine Wheel is used to help the woman tell her story, and this holistic approach is used throughout the woman's process toward developing a healthy balanced life. Elders are brought in as needed to do ceremonies. The program seeks to ensure that "Flash Fires" (retriggering experiences of trauma) don't occur that may return the woman to her feelings of vulnerability.

Program Successes/Impact:

The programs' ability to keep women safe and off the streets.

Key Lesson/ Challenge:

Obtaining funding. Bed bug infestations.

Program in operation since:

2005.

Program:

Ongoing.