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:

ISKWEW: Women Helping Women

Organization/Community:

Prince Albert Co-operative Health Centre

Location:

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

Website:

www.coophealth.com/community_programs/iskwew.html

Goals and Objectives:

To help clients build a long-term network of support for themselves to reduce vulnerability to violence and abuse as well as to provide advocacy services for clients when required and appropriate.

Target Group Description:

Everyone (with a focus on women).

Program Description:

The program has two community development workers that provide support to women who have experienced domestic violence by conducting counselling, resources and facilitating "Sharing Circles". The organization also provides other programs directed to other abusive situations such as broader family violence and elder abuse. The programs operate as a whole, within a holistic framework. The use of the Medicine Wheel as a foundation for personal examination and growth is also employed. The sharing circles are a central part of the program.

Program Successes/Impact:

The reduction of isolation of many Aboriginal women and the acquired knowledge to make their own positive choices of health and happiness.

Key Lesson/Challenge:

The level of isolation and poverty that clients have to deal with and obtaining funding to assist them. Transportation is a major issue for many of the clients and affects their ability to make appointments and access services.

Program in operation since:

Approx. 1987.

Program:

Ongoing.