The SWSF is a program which provides a safe space for women who have been affected by family & domestic violence (FDV) to come together to reflect on their own understanding and experiences of FDV. Involvement in the SWSF gives the women an opportunity to positively contribute to the men’s program outcome by having:
- A voice in the men’s behavioural change (MBC) process
- The opportunity to hold their partners accountable for their use of violence; these women may act as a key accountability and quality assurance measure within the MBC program and provide a means of minimising collusion and increasing accountability of their partners (Stopping Family Violence 2018)
- An opportunity to become familiar with the program content and expectations of the CEW content so they can support their partner’s anticipated positive behaviour changes A safe space for women to reflect on their own understanding and experience of family domestic violence
- An opportunity to develop and review safety plans and strategies to ensure their own ongoing safety and the safety of their children
- Improve and develop their own parenting skills
- Begin to heal from their own trauma
- Reconnect with their culture and identity as an Aboriginal woman The SWSF program also includes intensive one to one support and advocacy and post-workshop outreach support. As with the Men’s program there is a strong Social & emotional wellbeing (SEWB) component to the program and an opportunity for cultural immersion and on-country healing activities.
