Next week marks the beginning of the first cycle of Nellie’s Women Experiencing Abuse and Violence Support Group (W.E.A.V.)  for 2012. This group is open to women in our shelter and in the community who have experienced violence and are ready to talk about it.  Through a variety of different topics women come together to gain an understanding of the role violence has played in their lives and develop the tools and skills to recognize and be proactive against violence reoccurring in their lives in the future. One of the most important things women realize while attending this group is that abuse is never the fault of the abused, but arises out of the need of the abuser to have control over another person.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdTEY42RxYM]
(Video made by Grade 10 students for Nellie’s YPI Project)

Some of the topics covered during the 12 sessions of this group include: achieving goals, beginning new relationships, the cycle of violence, parenting, starting out on your own, and safety planning. Michelle, a recent participant of Nellie’s W.E.A.V. Group describes her experience as follows: “It was an eye-opening experience for me.  I recognized how to avoid situations, when to stand up for myself, and how to transform into a more confident human being.  It is wonderful to have others to share stories with, learn from and be supported by.” 

At Nellie’s we believe a simultaneous focus on immediate needs such as shelter and health as well as a long-term focus on education and advocacy are the best way to encourage empowerment and independence for all the women and children who come to us for help. Our Women Experiencing Abuse and Violence Group is a core piece of Nellie’s educational programming and offers participants an opportunity to not only learn from our staff facilitators, but most importantly to learn from each other and develop peer relationships that often continue once the group is finished.