Thousand Waves Partners with the Ounce of Prevention Fund

from the April, 2009 issue of Kiai!

by P. Marie O'Brien, Director of Violence Prevention Programs

Class participants say "Excellent, interesting, empowering info!" and "A new perspective to domestic violence issues."

In March, Thousand Waves provided four trainings for the Ounce of Prevention Fund, a statewide organization, presenting two programs in Chicago and two in Springfield. The Ounce of Prevention Fund requested we train staff who do child abuse prevention work, specifically with new mothers. Entitled “Staying Safe: The Cycle of Violence, Self-Defense and Reducing Aggression,” these day-long trainings provided strategies for increasing safety while traveling to and working within clients’ homes. Thousand Waves also addressed general safety concerns using our “Five Fingers of Self-Defense” (Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell) model, and considered ways to recognize and interrupt cycles of violence and abuse.

Ounce of Prevention Fund trainings also provided a series of activities for staff to do with their clients as a way to transmit safety skills to these new moms. Given that many are at- risk for domestic violence and abuse, the theme of being assertive within relationships – as opposed to passive or aggressive – is a key concept that staff can share with their clients, which may enhance the safety of both babies and moms.

Thousand Waves was delighted to reach 86 home visitors through this partnership with the Ounce of Prevention Fund. One participant will be setting waves in motion as she teaches others what she learned: “I’ll be telling my coworkers, friends and family about this course. This information and techniques will help me help myself and teach others I serve to do the same.”