H.E.A.L Domestic Violence Awareness Month Virtual Women's Support Group Meeting- October 26, 2023

Domestic Violence Awareness Month H.E.A.L (Special Theme) Meeting

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people worldwide but is often hidden behind closed doors, taking on any forms, and knows no boundaries. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it's an opportunity to bring this issue to the forefront, offer support, and work toward healing and empowerment.

As we commemorate this crucial month, we are hosting a special support group schedule (aside from our monthly bi-weekly group). Throughout October, we will offer a free H.E.A.L. Women's Support Group meeting each week focusing on healing, empowerment, and raising awareness about domestic violence. Each week, we will explore different themes and questions designed to help survivors on their journey to recovery and raise awareness.

Week 1: Unmasking the Hidden Pain

Theme: What is a mask that you wear?

• In the first week, we will delve into the masks survivors often wear to hide their pain. Survivors frequently wear a mask of strength, normalcy, or indifference to protect themselves or their loved ones. We will discuss these masks, how they manifest, and how shedding them can be a powerful step toward healing.

Week 2: Rebuilding Self-Esteem and Self-Worth

Theme: How has the experience of abuse affected your self-esteem and self-worth? What steps are you taking to rebuild your self-confidence?

• The second week will focus on self-esteem and self-worth, which are often deeply impacted by abuse. Survivors will have the opportunity to share their experiences and explore strategies for rebuilding their self-confidence. This discussion will be a crucial step in reclaiming their sense of self.

Week 3: Managing Triggers and Emotional Landmines

Theme: What are some triggers that still affect you from your past experiences, and how do you manage them?

• During the third week, we will address the emotional landmines that survivors encounter as they navigate life after abuse. Triggers can resurface painful memories and emotions. Participants will share their triggers and discuss effective coping mechanisms for managing them.

Week 4: Establishing Healthy Boundaries

Theme: In what ways have you established boundaries in your life to protect yourself from further harm?

• In the final week of our support group, we will explore the importance of setting boundaries in personal relationships. Participants will share their experiences and strategies for creating and maintaining healthy boundaries that protect their well-being.

What to Expect:

H.E.A.L. is an open forum that is a relaxed, comfortable, safe, and supportive environment for women to explore and discuss their problems and issues where honesty is encouraged and accepted. Our group members learn to better handle their everyday stresses Each of the ladies attending is amazing and brings something unique to the group through their experiences, and we're sure you will too!

We discuss everything from single life, relationships, mental illness, domestic abuse, codependency, divorce, grief, and other challenges.

Participation:

New members are never pressured to share in the group discussion; they have permission to listen and lay low. 😊 However, to ensure that current members also feel comfortable being vulnerable; we ask that everyone participate in the introduction as well as the check-in/ check-out. Beyond that, new members are welcome to listen and observe until they feel comfortable engaging in the group discussion.

Camera's On:

IMPORTANT*

To safeguard the group and our attendees; everyone who registers/attends will be required to join visually to ensure everyone joining is permitted; joining and not being visible on the camera will not be allowed.

Attendees are asked to keep the cameras on throughout the meeting unless: it’s a hazard (i.e., driving); they need to step away, or they are remote and can only participate by listening in. Keeping our cameras on allows cohesiveness within the group and allows everyone to feel they are being heard and that we are all holding space and time for each other by being attentive and respectful as we all speak.

To find out more about H.E.A.L, click here.