Women described how the pattern of abuse was set in childhood for many of them by residential schoolteachers, priest, parents, family and community members. They learned to shut down and go numb, and this leads to alcohol and drug abuse. Eventually, lots of women start to work the street and this routine becomes a way of life.

Many women have lost children to care or given up a child to the care of a relative. These mothers have immense feelings of grief and loss and yearn for the company of their children.

None of us are trained counselors but we all understand that reflection can be a healing activity. At the same time, it is difficult to know how to support women through the trauma of their lives. In response to women’s feedback and using our own instincts, we have tried to make the WISH Learning Centre a non-judgmental place where women can be encouraged and validated in their personal healing journeys. We came up with four ways to think about healing and learning: areas of literacy activity that create healing opportunities.

• Caring for Yourself: Journals, Aromatherapy
• Harm Reduction: Harm Reduction in the Learning Process
• Dialogue about Relationships: Healing Relationships, Violence and Relationships
• Healing Dreams: Set Your Sights High, Ruth’s story

We have included several literacy activities that create healing opportunities. As usual, women are totally in control of their participation. Some women may take the handouts with them and do them later; others will want the support of the group.