An empowering approach to women's domestic violence groups

Abstract

This paper is the result of over four years experience in working with women who are survivors of domestic violence. It examines the usefulness of different models (including the Mutual Help Model, the Duluth Minnesota Model, and the Mutual Aid Model) and the need for flexibility and spontaneity in this area.

A framework for working in groups with women struggling with domestic violence is set out in this paper, with particular attention given to the needs and difficulties of working with women from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The difficulties in running an open and ongoing group are also discussed along with the advantages of seeing these women in a group setting. The paper looks at both the theory and the practice of running a group which empowers women and facilitates their making choices and changes in their lives.