Family Violence Initiative
COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA – COMPENDIUM ANNEX: DETAILED PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS
SOCIAL CONDITIONS
Survivors of Physical and Sexual Abuse
- Program name:
Sexual Abuse Survivors Program
- Organization:
Biidaaban Healing Lodge
- Location:
Heron Bay, Ontario
- Target Group:
Men and women (Ages 18 and over)
- Contact Name:
N/A
- Phone:
807-229-3592
- Email:
- Website:
Program Overview
- History:
The program has been running since 1998. In that time, the program has adopted new teaching methods, become more experiential and has had more impact through integrated learning.
Program Description
- Goals & Objectives:
To increase client awareness of how sexual abuse has impacted on their relationships with themselves, their families and their communities; and to prioritize issues in the community into an actionable plan as it relates to the holistic healing model.
- Traditional/Indigenous ways:
Participants walk the Medicine Wheel; pipe ceremonies are used to create intent; and sweat lodges are held before and after core treatment, "Letting go" ceremonies are also held, and blessings are held at graduation.
- Components of program:
The program looks at the whole cycle of sexual abuse, from childhood to adulthood and works to end the cycle and support healing. The program provides a safe, supportive environment in which clients will examine the impact sexual abuse has had on their lives - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The program offers an introduction to statistics and information regarding sexual abuse in mainstream society, and in First Nations communities and develops an historical "map" of abuse in the participant's family of origin.
- Services/How they work:
Services are provided on site at the facility.
- Funding:
The program is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy.
Relationships and Stakeholders
- Involvement of Target Groups:
N/A
- Partners:
N/A
- Other relationships:
N/A
Details of Program Evaluation
- Evaluation:
An evaluation has been completed.
- Highlights of Evaluation Findings:
The report was not made available publicly, and no specific results can be provided.
Program Outcomes
- Measures of Success:
Success is measured through the client and staff evaluations. Increases in client self-esteem are also a good gauge.
- Achievements:
Seeing an actual, positive physical change in the clients.
- Challenges:
N/A
Things to Know to Replicate
- Replication Advice:
N/A
- Resources:
Adequate funding, properly trained staff and facility space for the programming would be necessary to ensure the program's success.
- Date modified: