1. Outline for support group for Connections for Abused Women and their Children
Outreach Site at Haymarket Center
Support Group on Self-Care
Go over impacts of DV on survivor’s life
 Post-traumatic-stress-disorder
 Depression
 Low self esteem
 Dissociation
Other physical effects:
 Chronic fatigue
 Shortness of breath
 Muscle tension
 Involuntary shaking
 Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
 Sexual dysfunction
 In women, issues with menstrual cycle or fertility
Ask Definition of self-care:
“self-care is the act of intentionally and unintentionally engaging in thoughts, actions, and
activities that have positive and affirming impacts on our mind, body, and sprit” “ taking care of
oneself without medical or professional assistance”
Why Self care is so important:
- Self care can help us be more resilient, combats negative and risk factors in our lives
- Help us think of ourselves in a positive way, positive self talk
- Help us cope with the affects of DV on our life, or other stressful or traumatic situations
- Helps us practice self-determination
Different Areas of Self care:
 Physical
 Psychological
 Emotional
 Spiritual
 Personal
 Professional
1. Ask for examples
2. hand out self-care wheel
3. Discuss components of a self care plan, pass out outline for plan

2. Focus on emotional self care
 Talk about the important of affirmations and positive self talk
 Ask group for examples of positive affirmations
 Explain concept of affirmation jar
Activity: pass out paper and markers have participants create some affirmations for them to take
with them
Tools: Self care wheel, self-care plan outline, colored paper, markers