Last month, we completed the first cycle of our WEAV (Women Experiencing Abuse and Violence) support group. Beginning in April, the group ran for 12 weeks with 10 women. WEAV is a psychosocial educational support group for Women and Trans women experiencing oppressions, such as abuse and homelessness. The group runs from a feminist, anti-oppressive/anti-racist framework.

During the early stages of the group, participants explored and celebrated their diverse identities through an exercise called “Mapping our Identity.” This activity gave participants the opportunity to explore themes of power and privilege, the concept of anti-oppression and anti-racism, and their individual experiences of violence in the context of larger societal issues. 83% of participants reported systemic reasons for violence against women, such as patriarchy, homophobia and transphobia, ableism and racism and colonialism.

Over the course of the group, participants gained knowledge and were able to connect their own experiences to the cycle of violence and dynamics of abuse through the Power and Control wheels.  Each participant also developed a safety plan, while addressing the importance of not perpetuating victim blaming. One participant stated the best part of attending the group was “understanding it was not my fault” and 83% of participants reported reduced shame and self blame.

Participants also learned about the impacts of violence, strategies for coping and the healing process. Women’s Health and Women’s Hands provided a guest speaker to discuss the effects of trauma.  After that session, women validated their own strength as survivors and recognized that attending the group was one step in their healing journey. One woman stated that she “found some peace with some things in herself” and another woman stated, “I learned to be myself.”

At the end of the group, participants explored building communication and healthy relationships. 83% of participants reported that attending the group meant being able to speak openly about violence. This reduced social isolation among participants. Women stated that “getting to share ideas” and “socialize with other women” was what they enjoyed most about the group.

During one of the last sessions, a survivor of violence and previous board member of Nellie’s and her daughter came as guest speakers to talk about their own experience with violence and the current activism work that they do in the community.  Many of the participants want to go on to speak out about violence against women as activists. One woman reported that she was already sharing the information with people in her community, and 83% of participants reported that they had developed the strength, courage and skills to confront violence.

Through WEAV, Nellie’s plans to continue to build leadership in women. The goal is to have participants of the program come back as guest speakers for future cycles of WEAV. The new cycle of WEAV begins September 12^th at the Community Support and Outreach Office and will run every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm for 12 weeks.