Our Approach
Healed Women Heal recognizes that young women and individuals with developmental disabilities have unique experiences with dating and relationships. Because of this, we take a value-based, holistic approach to addressing intimate partner violence.
Prevention
Our prevention approach emphasizes the knowledge required to establish healthy relationships from the start. The 3 key knowledge areas we focus on are:
- How to establish healthy boundaries and effective communication, increasing self-awareness.
- How to identify red flags, warning signs, cycle of violence, and types of abuse.
- Understanding the characteristics of healthy relationships and how they differ from abusive relationships.
Response
Our response approach is designed to heal from past hurt and build value. This approach follows a 5 step process:
- Navigating the complex decision-making process when leaving an unhealthy relationship and eliminating toxic people.
- A survivor-centered approach to emotional healing.
- Developing an individual's unique character through identifying core values.
- Reaching one's full potential through self-confidence.
- Safety planning for the future.
Empowerment
Our empowerment approach combines current scientific research on intimate partner violence with real-life experience to address root cause. The specific strategies we focus on and address are:
- Identifying trauma and triggers
- Healthy coping vs. unhealthy coping
- Developing a solid support system
- Self-esteem and self-efficacy