MOVING AHEAD POSITIVELY (MAP)
WOMANKIND'S MODEL OF PRACTICE


Womankind works with survivors of gender-based violence to rise above trauma and build a path to healing. Through the power of relationships, we strive to help survivors achieve internal harmony and develop a renewed sense of belonging. These are MAP's guiding principles.

MAP is most effective when any combination of these elements are working together, with the element of building trusting and healthy relationships at the center.
SAFETY FIRST
Establishing and maintaining emotional and physical safety through services are fundamental for survivors and their family to heal and move ahead positively.
ADAPTABLE SERVICES
Being mindful of survivors’ needs, advocates provide a personalized menu of adaptable, culturally-appropriate services. Survivors decide what services to participate in, as far as possible, based on their comfort and needs.
PERMEABLE BOUNDARIES
To connect with survivors from various backgrounds, advocates must understand and respect their boundaries, the nuances of their culture, and the power dynamics between the helper and the helped. They may want to break some boundaries that are traditionally seen as rigid or impermeable to foster genuine human connections.
CULTURAL HUMILITY
Culture influences survivors’ world view and plays a significant role in the development and engagement of working relationships. The recognition, validation and incorporation of one’s multidimensional culture are vital for effective services.
BUILDING TRUSTING + HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS
When trust is eroded by abuse, it splinters the sense of connection between individuals and others. The foundation for helping survivors progress towards healing is found in the relationship between them and their advocate.
VALUABLE CONNECTIONS
Advocates connect with mainstream and community- based support networks to explore resources that match survivors’ healing objectives. This is a critical component in the restoration of trust in relationships.
HOLISTIC WELLNESS PRACTICES + INTERVENTIONS
Recognizing the importance of body-mind-spirit connection in healing from trauma, a wide range of self-care and wellness activities and interventions are offered to survivors and staff.
PATHWAYS IN HEALING
Advocates honor and actively listen to survivors’ individualized healing journeys—their process of rising above their unique and exceptional traumatic experience.
COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS/ EDUCATION/AWARENESS
Communities play a crucial role in violence prevention and intervention by challenging norms and systems that lead to the subjugation, marginalization and oppression of its members. They can also be active responders when its members perpetrate violence or experience victimization.