BRATTLEBORO — Good conversations might ease a hard day or change entire lives, and we're fortunate to witness a wide range of healing conversations - not just between advocates and women in crisis, but among survivors themselves.
One example is our free and confidential Wednesday Support Group, which meets weekly from noon to 1 p.m. and is open to all women who have experienced domestic violence.
Because it's a drop-in group, women are free to just come once, or come occasionally, or join us every Wednesday for months as they rebuild their lives.
What's remarkable about this group is that while its members and topics continually shift, ongoing themes over the years reveal women's collective strengths.
Since we're often joined by some in crisis and others who've had more time and distance from the traumatic experience of domestic violence, there's clear inspiration for newcomers that change is possible and that they don't need to go it alone.
Isolation is typically one of the most difficult states for survivors to bear so, for some, this group provides a welcome chance to make new friends.
Moreover, the homey atmosphere takes these topics out of any hushed or clinical realm, and regardless of whether one chooses the term “victim” or “survivor,” this circle debunks any stigma - and offers a steady reminder that we're all just women. Women who've encountered violence, yes, and that's 1 in 3 in just the U.S. alone.
But while abuse might be something that's happened to a person, it does not need to define - or redefine - who one is or who one can still become.
Beyond the sense of sisterhood that emerges from just being in a room of resilient women, much of the potent advice, wisdom, support, and - yes - humor comes from participants themselves.
It's such an added boost for these women to realize they can come by for support and that they have much of value to share with others as well.
Nor is it uncommon for a woman who's just shared a hard story to switch gears pretty quickly and sincerely cheer on another woman's lucky break. (“Great that you just found a new apartment.” Or “it sounds like your kids are going to thrive.”) It's amazing how much ground these group members often cover in that hour.
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All of these qualities reflect the original spirit of our organization's name change a few years ago, which aimed at highlighting the full scope of our work. This support group is like a small beacon each week to help navigate from crisis to freedom. If you'd like more information about joining us on Wednesdays, please call our office at 802-257-7364.
And we hope you'll join the broader community conversations we're hosting in the next few months.
We've added some new film nights recently, including showings of the film Miss Representation. On Monday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m., we'll be at the Dover Free Library, and we'll show it in Brattleboro at the Brooks Memorial Library on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. All are welcome, and thanks to everyone who's joined us already for these inspiring conversations.
You can find us on Facebook to get the full schedule of events.