As part of my advanced MSW studies, I conducted research and program development for a special project titled EmpowerHER: A Trauma-Informed Psychosocial Support Group for Survivors of Domestic Violence. This project directly addresses the gap in culturally relevant, trauma-informed support for women in Cleveland, TN—particularly those from underserved and marginalized backgrounds.
The EmpowerHER program is an 8-week closed psychosocial group that combines psychoeducation with peer support, focusing on emotional regulation, boundary-setting, resilience, and practical coping strategies. The project is grounded in research and intentionally designed using trauma-informed, anti-oppressive principles that validate survivors’ lived experiences, empower their autonomy, and create emotionally safe group environments.
To support the program design, I conducted a thorough review of literature, drawing on peer-reviewed studies and best-practice models, including:
Warshaw, C., Brashler, P., & Gill, J. M. (2014). Mental health consequences of intimate partner violence. National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health.
https://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Mental-Health-Consequences-of-IPV.pdf
Fallot, R. D., & Harris, M. (2009). Creating Cultures of Trauma-Informed Care (CCTIC). Community Connections.
http://www.theannainstitute.org/CCTICSELFASSPP.pdf
Santos, A., Matos, M., & Machado, A. (2017). Effectiveness of a group intervention program for female victims of intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 32(10), 1646–1666. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260515585543