Connections and Self-Compassion: How Mothers Heal from Interpersonal Violence
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Overview
Interpersonal violence (IPV) against women—especially mothers—is a significant public health concern. The Connections group intervention aims to disrupt the intergenerational transmission of IPV by supporting mothers’ healing and enhancing their parenting and relationship capacities. While outcome evaluations show positive results, less is known about how these changes occur. To address this gap, researchers analyzed data from mothers who previously completed Connections to identify the specific processes that led to meaningful change. Through interviews and focus groups, participants shared experiences of growth in self-awareness, relationships, and parenting. Key mechanisms for change included increased self-compassion, forgiveness, and reflection. This presentation will share the resulting Pathways of Change model, which highlights the internal processes that enable mothers to shift harmful patterns. Findings contribute to ongoing program development and offer valuable insights for community partners and service providers working to support women and children affected by IPV.
Speakers
Kirsten MacAulay
Kirsten MacAulay is finishing up as an MA student in the Child and Youth Studies department at Brock University. Her previous experience as an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant provided her with a strong understanding and passion for the complexities and richness of new motherhood and mother-infant relationships. Her research interests include parenting, mother-child relationships, adverse childhood experiences, grief, children’s mental health, education equity, children’s agency and participation within family law, social justice, and children’s experiences with environmental injustice.
