Additional strategies to help survivors understand the impact of abuse and trauma In addition to helping survivors understand the dynamics of abuse, we can use the following strategies to help them understand the impact of abuse and trauma to support their recovery (Haskell, 2003). [...] • Rely on the survivor as the expert on her children and allow her to lead 16 Case Management Foundations Workbook Module 6 Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters – Level 1: Foundations Lesson 5: Put it all together Listen actively and without judgment to understand the survivor's unique needs and goals. [...] Sponsored by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters and the Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System. [...] You could also have a container in the office and have survivors write down thoughts and emotions that they choose to deal with at a later time and place them in the container. [...] Some ideas for what to include in the comfort box include: • Their favourite tea • Bubble bath or bath oil • Candles • A favourite picture, card or photograph • A special book • A stuffed animal • An affirmation book; for example, The Woman’s Book of Courage • A special rock or sea shell Encourage survivors to add their own ideas for soothing themselves when feeling overwhelmed and distressed.
Authors
- Pages
- 24
- Published in
- Canada
Table of Contents
- Notes 3
- Introduction 4
- Acknowledgements 4
- Notes 5
- Module 6: Tailor Support to Individual Needs and Goals 6
- Lesson 1: Frame your learning 6
- Lesson 2: Educate survivors 7
- Coercive control 7
- Power and Control Wheel 8
- Additional strategies to help survivors understand the impact of abuse and trauma 8
- Lesson 3: Support survivors in the shelter 9
- Build a safe and healing environment 10
- Therapeutic environment 10
- Attachment 10
- Containment 10
- Communication 10
- Involvement 10
- Agency 10
- When we create and maintain a therapeutic environment at the shelter: 11
- Choose appropriate strategies 12
- 1. Take time out from an abusive relationship 12
- 2. Leverage power in an unequal relationship 12
- 3. Make a decision about the future of the relationship 12
- 4. Transition away from the relationship 12
- Lesson 4: Support parenting survivors and their children 13
- Recommended timeline upon arrival at the shelter 14
- Within the first 24 hours 14
- Within 48 hours 14
- Within 48 hours 14
- Two of the most beneficial interventions 15
- Mitigate the impacts of domestic violence on children 15
- 1. Use age-appropriate and accessible language 15
- 2. Model respectful behaviours and healthy boundaries 15
- 3. Foster resiliency in your interactions 15
- 4. Create a relationally-enriched and predictable environment 16
- Lesson 5: Put it all together 17
- Notes 18
- References 19
- Appendix A: Strategies to Manage Trauma Reactions 21
- Grounding activities 21
- Guidelines for leading survivors through grounding exercises 21
- Examples of grounding activities 21
- Mental grounding, focusing one’s mind 21
- Physical grounding, focusing on one’s senses - touch, sound, and smell 21
- Soothing, talking to oneself in a kind, gentle manner 22
- Additional resources 22
- Containment 22
- Self-soothing 22
- Journaling 23
- Idea prompts 23
- References 24
