Family Violence Initiative

COMPENDIUM OF PROMISING PRACTICES TO REDUCE VIOLENCE AND INCREASE SAFETY OF ABORIGINAL WOMEN IN CANADA

SOCIAL CONDITIONS

Survivors of Physical and Sexual Abuse

Program Name:

Family Violence Program

Organization/Community:

Esk'etemc Health and Esk'etemc Justice

Location:

Esk'etemc (Alkali Lake), British Columbia

Website:

www.esketemc.org/index.html

Goals and Objectives:

To mentor and work with people of all ages who come forward about deep-rooted issues of family violence and sexual abuse.

Target Group Description:

Everyone.

Program Description:

The program utilizes traditional spirituality and ways of healing to assist clients in overcoming their experiences. Sweat lodges, pipe ceremonies, healing circles, fasting, powwows and the inclusion of Elders' help facilitate the clients' path to wellness. The program offers drug and alcohol counselling in the form of open community meetings that occur at least four times a week. The program has also partnered with the RCMP, the Ministry of Child and Family Development and Victims Services.

Program Successes/Impact:

Positive relationship building with other agencies assists in program success and ability to reach more people in need of services.

Key Lessons/Challenges:

Funding cutbacks have affected the program's ability to accept referrals. Reduction in legal aid has made it more challenging for program to assist its clientele in legal matters.

Program in operation since:

Approx. 1972.

Program:

Ongoing.