The prevalence of domestic violence around the world is alarming. According to WHO, “about 1 in 3 (35%) women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime” (WHO, 2016). Throughout the semester we have been working to create a project or intervention to implement while in La Carpio, Costa Rica. Working with a support group, that has already been formed by the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, we will be working with survivors of domestic violence. Our goal is to empower these women through holistic art therapy projects. We will be making domestic violence awareness bracelets, as well as decorating comfort bags for the women to fill with useful items. The women will also be provided with a “Tips and Resources” card, which will include local resourced for domestic violence support. Finally, we will be allowing women who choose to do so to tell us their personal stories. I am so excited for this part of our visit because I am very interested to learn more about these women.

We integrated Judith Herman’s Trauma Theory to support our project. According to the Trauma Theory, domestic violence is a psychological trauma, which may result in the victims blaming themselves. The public health professional is responsible for shifting their mindset to realize they are in need of healing through empowerment and support.

WHO. (2016, November 29). Violence against women. Retrieved December 5, 2016, from          World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/