Social Support

“Domestic violence can be so isolating,” states Alondra, YWCA Support Group facilitator. “We found that providing a space for survivors to share stories and promote healing is a great way to bridge the gap from isolation to connection and support.”

YWCA Spokane offers support groups for female-identifying survivors of intimate partner domestic violence twice a week in person and virtually. In Support Group, survivors from diverse backgrounds come together to share their experiences and offer mutual support.

Creating a Safe Space

Each session, facilitators like Alondra share four guidelines to support a safe environment: confidentiality, respect, self-care, and self-awareness. These guidelines create a sanctuary where survivors can express themselves without judgment, an essential aspect of the healing process.

The confidentiality guideline empowers members to control their narratives, which is especially important for those who have felt powerless in their relationships. Individuals are encouraged to share what they are comfortable with and can trust that other members will protect their privacy.

Respecting each person’s experiences helps ensure that participants feel heard and valued. “We always encourage people to be aware of ‘sharing the air,’” says Alondra. “This is a place where we can practice respectful communication with ourselves and others.” Respect also extends to recognizing potential triggers. Facilitators encourage members to be mindful of how their words may affect others.

The guideline of self-care emphasizes that the group is a space for each member's personal healing journey. Survivors are encouraged to step back or take a break during meetings as needed. There are no requirements to attend each group or stay for the entire session. For some survivors, attending Support Group is a form of self-care and a way to get out of the house.

Self-awareness invites participants to reflect on their emotional state and needs. Questions like “Do I need to take a break?” or “Is this topic triggering me?” encourages participants to check in with themselves regularly. This skill not only benefits them in the group setting but also equips them with tools to navigate their lives outside the group, empowering them to advocate for their needs in various contexts.

Support Group facilitators, Alondra, Christina, and M.E., model respectful communication and help keep the conversation flowing. They ask open-ended questions and spark discussion. By prioritizing confidentiality, respect, self-care, and self-awareness, these guidelines help create a space where survivors can connect, heal, and grow together.

Increasing Access

In August, Christina brought back Virtual Support Group. “I really listened to the feedback from our survivors and they were asking for another way to attend group,” shares Christina.

Transportation and time can be large barriers for survivors in attending sessions. Having an additional Support Group gives them another option and provides more flexibility. Some survivors may find it more comfortable to be in a private space while others may be attending group from their workplace during their lunch break.

“Just like the in-person group,” says Christina, “We create a safe, nonjudgmental virtual space where survivors of domestic violence can share their stories, connect with others, receive support, and find resources for healing and empowerment.”

Lasting Impact

Attending Support Group can be a transformative experience for survivors. One of the most significant transformations facilitators note is the growth in participants' confidence. They learn to set healthy boundaries and become more self-assured. “I’ve seen them become self-determined, knowing what they want for themselves,” says Alondra.

Support Group can also be a place for education on the different ways domestic violence may impact survivors. Topics like “gaslighting” or “manipulation” often resonate with the group. One client in particular was shocked when they first learned the term gaslighting. They expressed, “I didn't realize this is what’s been happening in my relationship all these years. I thought I was just going crazy.” In Support Group, this survivor finally got the validation they deserve.

Impact can be seen and felt in how survivors grow more comfortable after each session, relaxing into the space and sharing openly. All of the group facilitators shared how powerful it has been to witness survivors progress in their healing journey and build a supportive community.

Parting Words

At the end of each Support Group the facilitators share a special quote. These meaningful quotes are selected intentionally to provide affirmation and reflection. Participants discuss the significance of the quote, sharing how it resonates with their personal experiences.

“Sharing the quote helps them feel seen and heard about what was discussed at that support group that day,” M.E. notes. It often feels incredibly timely and can be a meaningful memento. Many participants find themselves returning to these quotes for comfort or motivation long after the session ends.

One participant compiled a collage of the uplifting quotes shared during meetings, using them as affirmations in her daily life. She has been part of support group for years, attending over 100 sessions. Now, whenever she needs an affirmation or reassurance, she refers back to the quotes that were provided in Support Group.

Facilitators and participants have shared how the quote at the end is one of their favorite aspects of Support Group. It reinforces the themes of connection, empowerment, and resilience that underlie the group, leaving everyone with a parting sense of hope and solidarity.

Learn More

In addition to one-on-one appointments, our advocates facilitate weekly support groups for adult survivors of intimate partner domestic violence. Explore all services at ywcaspokane.org/services.

To sign up or learn more about Support Group, call the front desk at 509-326-1190.