Domestic abuse and sexual violence are deeply traumatic experiences that can shake the very core of a person's being. They leave scars not just on the body, but on the mind and soul as well. In this post, we offer some gentle, uplifting tips for nurturing your well-being.

Understanding the Journey

1. Embracing Your Feelings

• It's okay to feel scared, anxious, or sad. These emotions are natural responses to what you've been through.
• Recognise that you're not alone in your struggles, and it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

2. Finding Strength in Healing

• Healing takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate this journey.
• Celebrate even the smallest victories and moments of joy along the way.

3. Building Self-Compassion

• Replace self-blame with kindness and understanding. You deserve love and compassion, especially from yourself.
• Treat yourself as you would a dear friend – with empathy, care, and support.

Tips for Nurturing Your Mental Health

1. Reach Out for Support

• Connect with people who uplift and support you. Share your story with trusted friends, family, or a support group.
• Consider seeking guidance from a therapist or counsellor who can offer professional help and validation.

2. Practice Gentle Self-Care

• Engage in activities that bring you comfort and joy, whether it's curling up with a good book, taking a soothing bath, or spending time in nature.
• Listen to your body's needs and honor them with kindness and compassion.

3. Cultivate Resilience Through Boundaries

• Set healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Learn to say no to anything that doesn't feel right or safe.
• Surround yourself with people who respect and honor your boundaries.

4. Challenge Negative Thoughts with Love

• Counteract self-doubt and negative self-talk with affirmations of self-love and worthiness.
• Remind yourself of your strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

5. Prioritise Safety and Empowerment

• If you're still in an unsafe situation, prioritise your safety above all else. Reach out to local resources or helplines for support and guidance.
• Take steps to reclaim your power and autonomy, knowing that you have the strength to create a life free from violence.

6. Educate Yourself with Kindness

• Learn about trauma and its effects on mental health with a compassionate heart. Understand that healing is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.
• Seek out resources and information that empower you to take control of your healing process.

7. Connect with Your Tribe

• Surround yourself with understanding and supportive individuals who lift you up and encourage your growth.
• Reach out to online communities, support groups, or advocacy organisations where you can connect with fellow survivors who share your experiences.

Your Journey to Wholeness

Healing from domestic abuse and sexual violence is a journey of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. Remember that you are worthy of love, safety, and happiness. By nurturing your mental health with kindness and compassion, you can reclaim your sense of self and create a life filled with hope and healing. You're not alone on this journey – we're here to support you every step of the way.

Mindfulness offers invaluable support to women healing from trauma caused by abuse. By fostering self-awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion, it helps survivors feel safer and more empowered. Through practices like grounding in the present moment, reconnecting with the body, and building resilience, mindfulness provides essential tools for navigating the healing journey with warmth and strength.

Here are five mindful practices you can incorporate into daily life:

1. Start with the breath: Begin your mindfulness practice by focusing on your breath. Close your eyes and pay attention to the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body. This helps anchor your attention to the present moment.
2. Observe without judgment: Practice observing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judging them as good or bad. Simply notice them as they arise and let them pass without getting caught up in them. This cultivates a non-reactive awareness.
3. Use all your senses: Engage all your senses in the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures around you. This helps ground you in the here and now, enhancing your awareness of your surroundings.
4. Take mindful breaks: Incorporate short mindfulness breaks throughout your day. Set aside a few minutes to pause and bring your attention to the present moment. This could be during routine activities like eating, walking, or even just sitting quietly.
5. Engage in mindful activities: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily activities such as washing dishes, walking, or even brushing your teeth. Pay attention to the sensations, movements, and experiences of these tasks, bringing your full awareness to the present moment.

Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes practice, so be patient with yourself and allow yourself to gradually develop your awareness over time.

Our compassionate team is here to support women who have experienced abuse as they incorporate mindfulness practices into their healing journey, providing a safe and nurturing environment.

Helpline: 01736 367543

Email: support@wcwaid.co.uk

Calling for an end to all gender-based violence, this year’s 16 Days of Activism Penzance campaign, takes place in and around the town from Saturday November 25^th through to Sunday December 10^th.

Open to all, West Cornwall Women's Aid and other local organisations have put together a varied programme of events throughout the 16 Days, focusing on raising awareness around the issues of gender related violence, promoting healthy behaviours and wellbeing, as well as inspiring action to bring about real change.

On Saturday November 25^th, dancers from The Big Dance Company will again take to the streets of West Cornwall to perform a Flashmob with a powerful message. Highlighting the damaging effects of domestic abuse on children and young people, watch out for them in Camborne, Redruth, Truro and St Ives.

A focal point of the 16 Days is the Take Back The Night Walk and Vigil, remembering and honouring all the women who have lost their lives at the hands of their partner, or former partner, or someone they know. Join this year’s walk on Wednesday November 29^th, leaving at 5.30pm from Wherrytown Skatepark, along the Promenade to St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, where a candlelit vigil will be held. Looking to raise awareness and call for accountability, everyone is welcome to walk in solidarity together, be up-standers not bystanders, and help bring about an end to gender-based violence, both in our community and the wider world.

Other events include:

• cold water swimming sessions off Battery Rocks
• drop-in classes at the Old School Studio, Newlyn where you can try yoga, pilates, or relax with a mini-massage
• a Q&A screening of ‘Yama’, a documentary about Ghanian female surfers and skaters, hosted by Sustainable Pz
• an invitation to visit West Cornwall Women’s Aid’s community building for an Open Afternoon
• a Women in Politics discussion at Hypatia Trust
• Courageous Conversations Training; Working with Abusive Behaviours lunch and learn
• Bystander Training opportunities for publicans, and night time economy businesses, but also for anyone wanting to know how they can respond and intervene safely, if they see someone at risk
• an Out of Sink Sisterhood synchronised swim taster in the Jubilee Geothermal pool
• plus fundraising coffee mornings, a fun pub quiz, and a Groove Lounge DJ night.

Lizzie Matthews, Chief Executive Officer at West Cornwall Women’s Aid said:

“Violence against women and girls remains a constant threat, which we only need to look at the number of high profile stories in the media in recent months to be aware of. We are calling on our local community to show their solidarity by joining us on 29^th November and sending the message that gender-based violence must end.”

£2,950 grant funding has been provided by Penzance Council for the event and the wider 16 Days of Activism. Mayor of Penzance, Cllr Stephen Reynolds, said:

“This is a powerful event with a powerful message, on an issue which is too often seen as someone else’s problem. We owe it to current future generations to call out gender-based violence, and to do all we can to make where we live a safe space for women and girls.”

All dates, times, venues and booking information, are listed on the website  www.16dayspenzance.co.uk  or Facebook page www.facebook.com/16dayspenzance.

Join WCWAid and Liz Tyrrell, maker of the iconic Penzance town flags, at our free banner making workshops in October and November.

We will be creating and collaborating on individual and joint pieces, designed to be carried and displayed during the Penzance memorial walk and vigil, honouring the lives of women and girls lost to male violence.

Since the start of the year, 78 women and girls over the age of 13 have been killed in circumstances in which a man or men are the main suspect in the UK.

Our workshops will offer all women a safe space to express their loss and commemorate the lives of those women through a creative outlet. Members of staff will be alongside to support those who attend.

To book a place, please contact communityservices@wcwaid.co.uk or call 01736 367543 and ask for Hayley.

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