Cultural practices improve the health of Aboriginal women recovering from trauma caused by spousal violence

The new research from the University of British Columbia and Western University improves when the healing process incorporates circles run by elders and other cultural elements.

The study tested the effectiveness of a unique program, called Reclaiming our Spirits, focused on nurses working individually with women for six to eight months, as well as on weekly circles or activities led by an elder. These latter activities included sharing personal stories and aspects of Aboriginal culture through ceremonies, cultural teachings and traditional crafts.

The approach was developed in collaboration with Elders and Aboriginal counselors.

"By the end of the program, women reported significantly fewer symptoms of trauma and depression and a better quality of life compared to what they felt at first," said lead researcher Colleen Varcoe, professor of nursing. at the University of British Columbia. "The participants also felt a greater sense of empowerment and felt more supported by their family and community."

These effects persisted at least six months later, Varcoe added.

Participants included 152 Aboriginal women from different countries and language groups living in Vancouver and Surrey, British Columbia. Most had survived the violence in their childhood at a boarding school, in addition to partner violence; all lived with incomes well below the Canadian average and were regularly victims of racism and other forms of discrimination.

The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to healing for Aboriginal survivors of intimate partner violence, said study co-author Roberta Price, an elder of the Coast Salish Nations Snuneymuxw and Cowichan .

"For these women, treatments can be much more effective if they incorporate ways of knowing and being Aboriginal, such as sharing culture through stories, teachings and ceremonies," said Price.

The program, which builds on iHEAL, a health promotion program developed by researchers a few years ago, is currently being tested in three provinces to determine how effective it is for women in all settings, including for Aboriginal women.

"Aboriginal women in Canada are experiencing high rates of violence, especially from their partners, and yet, few evidence-based interventions have been designed specifically for them," said Varcoe. "We hope that with iHEAL, we can help redress the situation."