Family Violence Initiative

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

INTERACTIONS WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Healthy Relationships: Women

Program Name:

Conne River Health and Social Services

Organization/Community:

Miawpukek First Nation

Location:

Conne River, Newfoundland

Website:

www.crhss.com/index.html

Goals and Objectives:

To change attitudes and increase clients' understanding of opportunities and available choices.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

The program offers one on one counselling, a weekly women's group that promotes social networking, a youth centre for ages 11-18 and has a women's shelter for women and children leaving abusive relationships. The program targets schools for programming as well; offering anti-bullying workshops, sessions focusing on building healthy relationships and working with the National Aboriginal Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy to deliver programming to children and youth. There is also a Circle Group that targets high risk youth and focuses on teaching Aboriginal culture, building self-esteem, pride in culture and how to stay away from drugs and violence.

Program Successes/Impact:

Measureable reduction in family violence occurrences in community. Women are now standing up and not accepting violence any longer.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Getting the program promoted and having the public made aware of its existence. Obtaining funding to increase scope of programs.

Program in operation since:

Information not provided.

Program:

Ongoing.