Promoting Wellness and Recovery of Young Women Experiencing Gender-Based Violence and Homelessness: The Role of Trauma-Informed Health Promotion Interventions
Nadine Reid, Amie Kron, Thanara Rajakulendran, Deborah Kahan, Amanda Noble, Vicky Stergiopoulos
Abstract
Little is known regarding the types of interventions most effective in supporting wellness and recovery of victims of gender-based violence, particularly those simultaneously experiencing homelessness. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 18 young women experiencing gender-based violence and homelessness who participated in a community-based, trauma-informed group intervention in Toronto, Canada. Participants completed audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews, analyzed using thematic content analysis. Participants described valuing the safe, women-only space, shared lived experiences, and tailored psychoeducation and resulting improvements in confidence, coping, health, relationships, and future directedness. Findings suggest community-based, trauma-informed group interventions can facilitate wellness and recovery in this population.