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:

Sisterness

Organization/Community:

Nova Scotia Native Women's Association and the Status of Women Canada.

Location:

Indian Brook, N.S / Millbrook, N.S / Pictou Landing, Nova Scotia

Website:

N/A

Goals and Objectives:

To deliver educational and navigational outreach for proactive interventions to help women and their families in situations of abuse to recognize the signs of violence.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

The program consists of 4 modules delivered by a Mi'kmaq Elder and social worker to assist mobilizing communities to de-normalize violence through education that is culturally relevant and site specific. The modules consist of: Crisis Support - aimed at women who are victims of violence; Empowering Mi'kmaq Women and Communities – a service that helps communities design and implement their anti-violence PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) Plan; Community Awareness - this toolkit will provide women with the knowledge and skills to provide assistance to Sisters that need and want to stop the cycle of violence; Being a "Sister" - This toolkit is designed to motivate more women to take on the role of a Sister to work together in communities to address family violence and its related issues.

Program Successes/Impact:

Providing educational tools that are meaningful and applicable. Addressing the gaps in services.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Obtaining funding that otherwise limits staff and capacity.

Program in operation since:

2010.

Program:

Ongoing.