workshop reports

This situation meant that the two facilitators had to spend time and energy on their interpersonal relationship and on how to create the entire workshop. Perhaps more importantly, it meant that the workshop participants had the benefit of two points of view, of two presentation styles. Most appreciated the variety.

• It is time-consuming to prepare cross-cultural programs. It demands respect and tolerance from all parties. This is difficult, but it is also well worth while. Our program was much stronger because it was cross-cultural.

• It is absolutely crucial that a safe worker is part of any team that deals with violence issues. We all know that women who are survivors can have flashbacks and that certain topics can trigger unpleasant or dangerous memories for survivors. A safe, or emotional, worker can go to another room with a woman who is experiencing unsafe memories and work with her. This help must be available during the class or workshop; after class or tomorrow is too late.

• A pre-workshop interview is crucial. Since every audience is different, it is important to tailor any presentation about how violence influences a woman's education to the specific group. While we had some knowledge about the staff at Pine Grove, we were only able to finalize the workshop content and schedule after one of the facilitators had interviewed a number of the staff there. Because of the preparation work, we were able to direct attention to some of the specific concerns of the participants. They saw the relevance of what we presented and the importance of what we shared with them. Many felt they were able to use this new information immediately in their work.

• Correctional workers have not had enough training about how violence affects a woman's ability to learn. The staff at Pine Grove found our workshop relevant and useful. Workers in correctional facilities need on-going training on how violence affects the lives of the women incarcerated there.