Week 1: Creating a Safe Space & Understanding DV

This week, in our six-part Exploring Abuse & DV series with Ruby Raja, we will begin by building a foundation of safety and understanding. Together, we will create a group agreement centered on confidentiality, respect, and the freedom to share only what feels comfortable.

Ruby will guide us through an important conversation on what domestic violence truly mean, reminding us that it can take many forms, including emotional, financial, and coercive control. We will also explore the Power & Control Wheel, a tool that helps identify patterns of unhealthy behavior in relationships. You can view it here:
🔗 Power & Control Wheel – The Hotline

To deepen our understanding, Ruby will introduce several models and frameworks that explain how these patterns form and persist. You can read more about those here:
🔗 DV Models – Inshiraa

💜 Post-Session Reflection:
If you’d like, take a few quiet moments to complete this week’s reflection worksheet. Journaling your thoughts can help you process what stood out to you during the session or what new insights you gained.

Download the Week 1 Worksheet ➜ Post Session Reflection

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to reflect. Go at your own pace, and know that you are supported every step of the way.