A recently-launched local initiative is already making a profound difference in the lives of women who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships.
Delta-based Step Forward Health Society’s “When Love Hurts” program is an online support and education group that empowers women with the tools to understand and heal from abuse.
Through structured group sessions, participants gain deeper insights into the dynamics of abuse, emotional regulation, and the patterns of control that perpetuate harm, according to the society’s press release.
Since its launch in February with funding from the First West Foundation, the program has welcomed 11 women from communities across British Columbia, including Delta, Langley, Chilliwack and Squamish.
Over the past several weeks, participants have explored key topics including the cycle of abuse, highlighting how patterns of violence and manipulation create entrapment.
They have also learned about the “window of tolerance,” a concept that explains how trauma impacts emotional regulation, as well as the “power and control wheel,” which identifies different forms of abuse — emotional, financial, psychological and physical — that can exist within relationships.
The program also addresses sexual abuse in intimate relationships, a deeply impactful experience that is often overlooked.
These discussions provide participants with knowledge and language to name their experiences while fostering a sense of validation and empowerment.
“I needed to get answers from people who had been through what I’ve been through. That’s why I came to the group. And it was awesome! Every week I got insight from women who have lived through similar things to me. It’s so important,” a group member shared via Step Forward’s press release.
One of the most powerful aspects of When Love Hurts is the sense of connection it fosters among participants, the release states. Many women who have experienced abuse feel isolated, but within the program they find a community that understands and supports them.
"Many women feel alone in their experiences, but this group reminds them that they are not," Meg Neufeld, president of Step Forward Health Society, said in the press release. "This program offers a safe space where women can connect, heal and move forward with greater confidence and strength."
With the program’s success, the organization is planning a second cohort later this year and is actively accepting referrals. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, visit stepforwardhealth.ca for more information on upcoming sessions and resources.
