A Workshop Proposal for Women who have Experienced Domestic Abuse to Promote Mental Well-Being and Occupational Balance
Citation
(2016) A Workshop Proposal for Women who have Experienced
Domestic Abuse to Promote Mental Well-Being and
Occupational Balance, no. 110.
Abstract
According to 2015 Scottish Government reports, incidents of domestic abuse have
risen by 2.5% between 2014 and 2015: 79% are female victims. Abuse within a
relationship can come in a variety of forms including physical, financial, emotional
and psychological. However all forms appear to have psychological impact upon a
woman's life.
The impact of domestic abuse remains prevalent after leaving the relationship.
Through reviewing the literature to understand the healing experience of domestic
abuse, occupational needs of this community were identified. Many women engage
in negative coping strategies to 'numb' the pain of the trauma. Through these
negative occupations, women's self-worth and identity dissolve: negatively affecting
their mental well-being. This has additional implications on their participation in
meaningful and active occupations. The review of literature identified support from
other domestic abuse survivors to provide a unique and critical contribution to the
healing process.
This programme development proposes a peer-supported workshop that creates a
safe space for individuals to explore their healing experience, learn new occupational
skills and coping strategies to enhance mental well-being and occupational balance.
Peer-support emphasises mutual experiences to share learnt knowledge, and
emotional and practical support. Furthermore, belonging in a group and sharing
resources and skills validates and empowers the women during the healing process.
An asset-based approach will be used to develop the programme and promote
collaboration between the facilitator and participants. The premise of an asset-based approach is to use individuals' and the community's resources and talents to
establish a programme: thereby, encouraging community relationship, control and
empowerment to achieve well-being. The facilitator anticipates that through
connection of a shared experience, participants will learn positive and effective
coping strategies and meaningful occupations to manage stressful events and
achieve greater well-being.