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:

The Family Violence Program

Organization/Community:

The Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre

Location:

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Website:

www.afcs.ca/saskatoon.html

Goals and Objectives:

To approach the issue of family violence in a holistic manner that provides prevention, intervention and protection for those impacted by family violence.

Target Group Description:

Aboriginal women and men.

Program Description:

The program provides continuous healing circles and workshops for Aboriginal women and men on various topics relating to family violence and related challenges. In the specific case of women, they look to address issues of health, traditional parenting skills, addiction and all forms of violence. The program seeks to assist clients in continuing to build a strong and safe home for themselves and their families. In terms of family violence, the programming attempts to raise awareness and help clients develop the tools necessary to deal with family violence in a preventative manner as well as a reactive response. As part of this larger goal, other issues may have to be dealt with, such as addiction issues, developing greater knowledge and understanding of the cycle of violence. mental health issues or economic issues.

Program Successes/Impact:

Being a provider of resources to Aboriginal women who may not otherwise be able to access those services. Successfully increasing client awareness of the options available to them to make better life choices for themselves and their families.

Key Lesson/Challenge:

Obtaining funding and human resources. Limitations of space in which to operate.

Program in operation since:

2004.

Program:

Ongoing.