Psychoeducation Trauma Intervention for Refugee Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

For intimate partner violence survivors, groups are helpful in that they reduce the sense of isolation, which accompanies trauma survivors as well as provides a sense of belongingness. Judith Herman states that survivors of gender-based violence in particular, suffer from the secrecy, shame and stigma that are predictable social consequences of this form of violation. Moreover, intimate partner violence increases when women are isolated from their families, communities and peers. For refugee women, the shame associated with migration trauma, along with having an undocumented status is prevalent and keeps them from seeking services. The psychoeducation 8 session intervention helps this vulnerable population understand the physiological response stress, trauma and post traumatic stress disorder. Once symptoms have been identified, sessions enable women to reduce the symptoms by utilizing methods of self-care. Cultural specific material for Latina undocumented IPV survivors in New York City with integration of breath work, sensorimotor, music and easy movements will be highlighted to demonstrate intervention.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.