IN THIS WORKSHOP WE WILL EXPLORE TOGETHER:
Understanding How Abuse Has Affected Our Lives
By learning and sharing about the impacts of relationship abuse, we will move away from isolation and self-blame, and take the first step toward recovery.
Regaining Faith in Ourselves
We will practice ways to build our self-confidence and self-esteem, and to healthfully manage stress and anxiety. Abusers silence their partners, so we will work on rediscovering our true voice and reclaiming power.
Regaining Faith in Others
Forming (or repairing) close connections to friends and relatives accelerates healing. We will learn how to make good decisions about which people to confide in, and then work on overcoming blocks to trusting again in the face of past betrayals.
Building a New Life that Works
We will discuss empowering strategies
for moving into a new intimate relationship without ending up with another abuser, and learn how to build and keep healthy boundaries.
Leaving the Past Behind
We will learn how to heal the pain of abuse so that we can stop dwelling on the wrongs that have been done, moving instead into freedom. We will learn how to build a lasting support system to help us through this healing process, as we find joy again.
HOW WE'LL SPEND OUR TIME TOGETHER:
- Group discussions
- Emotional support
- Movement activities
- Creative Projects
- Relaxation Exercises
- Free time
- Outdoor fun/games (if weather permits)
Retreat Fee:
Sliding scale from $375 to $485, based on your income. The fee includes lodging and all meals from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch. A reduced fee (below $365) may be available for individuals who would not otherwise be able to attend.
Space is limited to 20 people, and the retreat sells out each time. Please register early to be sure of getting a spot.
Retreat Location:
The retreat takes place at a beautiful rural retreat center in Plainfield, MA. The food is outstanding and is flexible to meet people's dietary needs. The center is an 85-minute drive from the Hartford (Bradley) airport, and we assist participants to coordinate the sharing of rental car expenses. The retreat runs from 5:30 Friday afternoon to 2:30 Sunday afternoon.
Retreat Leaders:
Lundy Bancroft has been leading weekend retreats for abused women for eight years. He is the author of
Why Does He Do That?, the largest-selling book in history on domestic violence. His other books include
Daily Wisdom for 'Why Does He Do That', When Dad Hurts Mom, S
hould I Stay Or Should I Go,
and the national prizewinner
The Batterer as Parent.
Lundy has presented to over 300 audiences across the US and Canada, and is featured in the PBS documentary "Breaking the Silence."
Outside of his work life, Lundy is an avid environmental activist, rock climber, snowboarder, actor, and baseball player.
Lundy will be present throughout the retreat.
Kathy Jones,
also known as DVSur5r, is a Justice Advocate who promotes outside-the-box s
olutions and best-practice responses to families living with domestic violence.
Kathy comes with 9 years of personal experience, and 19 years of professional experience advocating for adult and child victims of family violence, with her focus being legal, child protection, and mental health systems.
Kathy has also done extensive consulting work locally and nationally, and is best known for her internationally-used training tool, "The Maze of Coercive Control." Find out more about her at
www.dvsur5r.com and at DVSur5r on Facebook.
To receive a registration form for the March retreat, send an email to TheLifeThatAwaitsYou@gmail.com
WARM WISHES TO ALL!!
Lundy Bancroft
P.S. Women sometimes ask, "If I'm not completely out of my relationship yet, can I still come to this retreat?" We're sorry to say that we need to ask you to wait until it's truly over. There are hotlines and support groups for women in abusive relationships, but these resources don't exist for women who have gotten out. These women face a distinct (though not necessarily easier) set of challenges, and they deserve a space that focuses fully on their needs. We appreciate your understanding!