Unveiling its new offering, the Empowered Healing program being delivered by CAV is designed to provide a transformative journey towards healing and empowerment for survivors of sexual and family violence.
Therapeutic Group Facilitator, Lucrecia described the program's essence.
“Empowerment means 'in power,' and healing is about feeling whole again,” Lucrecia said.
“This group empowers participants to take charge and embrace their entirety in a safe space where even the most challenging topics can be discussed openly.
“Through shared experiences, participants realise they are not alone in their journey, finding solace and understanding among their peers.”
Amaranth Foundation Founder and CEO, Julianne Whyte is delighted to be able to work with the CAV to begin the healing journey for women of the region through this program.
“ Understanding what violence is and how it affects people - both the person the violence is directed towards and the person acting in a way that causes harm to the other person - is important when we start having a discussion about what to do or what to say when we see or hear of violent acts,” Ms Whyte said.
“Mission Australia’s latest statistics paint a grim picture with one in six women and one in nine men reporting that they have experienced sexual or physical violence before the age of 15.
“Thirty-nine percent of people requesting homelessness services or looking for crisis housing report domestic and family violence as the reason for seeking out such supports.
“What is important is that we, as a community, know where to refer people to and know what help can make a difference. Each time we fail to act or support a person, we are also responsible for ongoing harm.
“Everyone is impacted by acts of violence.”
Witnessing participants undergo personal breakthroughs is a source of inspiration for CAV’s Lucrecia.
“It's beautiful to see individuals connect with one another, recognising their shared struggles and realising that healing is possible,” she said.
“Participants in the past have expressed gratitude for the program's activities and the opportunity to gain insight into the impacts of trauma on the nervous system and brain functioning.
“Understanding the 'why' behind their reactions empowers participants to navigate their healing journey with newfound clarity and resilience.”
This round of the Empowered Healing program will be open to small groups of women over 18 years of age with a history of domestic or family violence.
The program focuses on containment and healing, offering women the opportunity to strengthen emotional regulation, find validation in shared experiences, and build connections in a supportive community.
“Amaranth Foundation is working hard to provide support for people across our communities experiencing vulnerabilities and challenges in their lives,” Ms Whyte said.
“Having this new Program from the Centre Against Violence (CAV) available to women in our local area can and will change lives.
“Amaranth will be working with CAV and referring vulnerable women from NE Victoria to this program.”
The Empowered Healing program consists of eight sessions, each lasting two hours, led by experienced counsellors specialising in trauma recovery. The next group is scheduled to commence on the week of April 29.
If you, or somebody you love is experiencing domestic and/or family violence, both Amaranth Foundation (02) 6033 1738 and Centre Against Violence 1300 332 022 are available to help.
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