MOVING AHEAD POSITIVELY (MAP)

WOMANKIND'S MODEL OF PRACTICE

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White phoenix Philosophy + Foundation

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.

1
Systemic oppression exists. Womankind applies an anti-oppression lens to all aspects of our work.
2
Gender-based violence is a human rights issue. Womankind uses a social justice approach that informs survivors of their rights and holds others accountable to respect and protect them.
3
Gender inequality is the basis of gender-based violence. Rooted within this is oppression and other form of -isms. Womankind challenges this by striving towards equality while supporting survivors.
4
Violence is everywhere in our culture and its effects are pervasive. Womankind uses a trauma-informed approach that incorporates safety, trust, choice, empowerment, collaboration, and cultural humility in every part of our work.
5
Immigrant communities have a right to equal and meaningful access to all aspects of society. Womankind works to ensure this right and to amplify the voice of Asian communities within the larger public sphere.
6
Collaboration with the community is a key component for progress and success. Womankind learns and grows by partnering with community members and with public and private institutions.
White gears Core Elements

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.

Purple house

SAFETY FIRST

Establishing and maintaining emotional and physical safety through services are fundamental for survivors and their family to heal and move ahead positively.

Purple list

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

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.

Purple globe

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.

Purple hands

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.

People connected

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.

Yoga pose

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.

Purple heart with arrow pointing inwards

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

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.

 
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