“When I’d Dealt with My Issues, I Was Ready to Give Back”: Peer Leader’s Perspectives of Support Groups for Women Abused by Intimate Partners

ABSTRACT

The serious nature of the abuse of women by intimate partners has garnered worldwide concern. Victims are often assisted through support groups; however, little is known about how the groups work or how leaders perceive the group process and the women’s response to the intervention. This qualitative process evaluation presents the perspectives of 14 trained peers who led weekly Growth Circle groups to provide support to abused women. The article describes the leader’s backgrounds, perceptions of the group process, and coleadership, in addition to reflections on the value and challenges in offering the program. Implications for community agencies and group leaders are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• group leadership
• mental health
• qualitative research
• support groups
• trauma
• violence against women

Acknowledgments

The Research Advisory Team consisted of Ada Baxter, Program Coordinator from Peer Support Services for Abused Women (PSSAW), and Naida Brotherston from Jewish Family Services. Sadly, Ada passed away in 2013. Having been a key PSSAW staff member, she is greatly missed by staff and Growth Circle leaders and participants.

Funding

This evaluation was funded by the United Way of Calgary and Area and Family and Community Social Services of Calgary.