WOMEN’S EMPLOYABILITY AND THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE

OUR ROAD TO UNDERSTANDING

LEARNING OBJECTIVES  Improve knowledge and understanding of the nature of violence  Increase understanding of the effects of violence on a woman’s employability  Develop ability to adapt the career planning process to respond to the needs of the abuse survivor  Develop confidence and comfort level in working with survivors  Increase capacity to refer women to appropriate external resources  Increase capacity to work with partners

CREATING A SAFE PLACE

A. THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE IN OUR LIVES 11:00 – 12:15 5

WHAT IS VIOLENCE? Violence is when someone does or says something to hurt or have control over another person.

PREVALENCE In Newfoundland and Labrador, one in two women over the age of 15 will experience at least one incident of sexual or physical violence throughout their lifetime. About 10% will actually report this victimization to police.

CONTEXTS

POWER AND CONTROL WHEEL

CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

THE EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE

SELF ESTEEM AND VIOLENCE

SURVIVOR STRENGTHS

INQUIRY CIRCLE 11:30-12:00

SAMPLE STATEMENT When you talked about power and control, it made me think about the different ways we can manage or influence the behaviour of others. I wondered how much of it is on purpose and how much of it is unconscious. My question is how do we relate to each other as equals without taking over?

OUR DISCUSSION When you said ________, it made me think about _____________________________. Then I wondered about ______________________. My question now is: ________________________.

B. EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE ON EMPLOYABILITY 1:00 – 2:30

DEFINING EMPLOYABILITY Have the safety and self care skills needed to manage your life, emotions, and needs so you are ready to learn and/or work with confidence Have the time, a plan, and the necessary supports to find and keep a job

ABUSE AND EMPLOYABILITY Severe stress responses Physical illness & injury Mental health issues Substance use and misuse Impaired self-esteem Chaotic lifestyle

BARRIERS

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

WHAT CLIENTS MAY NEED Finding information Seeking professional support Developing coping skills Learning new behaviours Reducing stress Maintaining health Making positive changes

HOW YOU CAN HELP Support boundaries Foster empowerment Facilitate goal setting Address fears Model good feedback Encourage skill development

GROUP EXERCISE: IMPACTS Read the scenario Identify the issues that may be linked to her experiences Identify the strengths/positives Identify the areas that may need work Reflect on your practice: –What approaches might you consider? – How are your options different depending on your role?

C. WORKPLACE VIOLENCE 2:45 – 4:15

VIOLENCE & THE WORKPLACE Work Place Kit Silent Storm Video Presentation

DISCUSSION What did you notice? How did you feel about how the issues were handled? Could there be other options from our experience? What does it mean for your practice?

WHAT’S NEXT?

WOMEN’S EMPLOYABILITY AND THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE HRLE-THANL DAY TWO

NOW WHAT?

EMPLOYMENT PLANNING 9:30 – 10:30

WHAT DO WOMEN KNOW? What skills have women used? –Are they transferable? What skills are needed in the workplace? –Are they adaptable to different environments? What is missing? –How can you help?

RECOGNIZING BARRIERS TO SUCCESS

RECOGNIZING SIGNS

WEATHERING A CRISIS

SUPPORTIVE PLANNING

IDENTIFYING BARRIERS Read the scenario Carry out role play with your partner Identify what barriers exist Identify potential detours Think about your practice – what options could you recommend? What did you learn from this exercise?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 10:45 – 12:15

CREATING A NETWORK

IDENTIFYING CONNECTIONS

G. SUPPORT (SELF/OTHERS) 1:00 – 1:45

WHAT CAUSES STRESS?

WHAT DOES STRESS FEEL LIKE?

EFFECTS OF STRESS ON HELPERS

BEARING WITNESS

SETTING BOUNDARIES

KEEPING IT POSITIVE Establishing boundaries is professional duty Modeling healthy boundaries is good for clients Clear roles and limits reduces anxiety Clear, consistent communications support good boundaries Being honest about expectations is important

SELF CARE Self care includes the actions people take for themselves, their children and their families to stay fit and maintain good health. What actions can you take for your self care?

ENTRY POINTS FOR SELF CARE

PATHS TO SELF CARE Exercise

PROCESS FOR SELF CARE

WHEN I COME IN TO WORK TOMORROW, I WILL …