Type:	Journal Article
Title:	“It’s the little things”: women, trauma, and strategies for healing
Other Titles:	Journal of interpersonal violence
Authors:	Veysey, Bonita M Stenius, Vanja M. K
Keywords:	Drug and alcohol misuse;Informal responses;Mental health;Counselling;Training
Year:	2005
Publisher:	Sage Publications
Citation:	20 (10), October 2005
Notes:	This article reports on a US study, part of the Franklin County Women and Violence Project, that explored the healing experiences of 18 women who have histories of domestic violence, substance abuse and involvement in mental health or substance abuse treatment. Ethnographic interviews suggest that professional intervention can be beneficial but it may not be adequate, and it can even be re-traumatising. The means of service delivery and treatment by individuals and service providers may be more important than the service itself. Women find that caring individuals and a safe environment give the greatest benefit, so it is more about how individuals do the helping rather than what people do to help. Women with histories of trauma and co-occurring disorders use a wide range of informal and formal supports, and treatment services. Relationships are key to women’s recovery and healing. Women value individuals who listen without judging or blaming and who validate their experiences. Peers and women groups are important because of the empathy between the women and ability to share stories, problems and solutions. Activities also help women to heal and recover. Unhelpful elements of treatment services include: barriers to services such as cost, number of sessions and time limits, lack of 24 hour responsiveness, transportation and child care problems. Harmful service elements relate to poor training and lack of therapeutic skills or relational styles; as well as system barriers and insurance limits; lack of trauma sensitivity; lack of cross-training; and individual therapists’ attitudes and behaviours.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13025
ISSN:	0886-2605
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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