Hello, my name is Jodi Hinds. I am a doula, childbirth educator and counsellor for women survivors of abuse in the childbearing year. I will be your tutor for your distance education mentorship program.
A Safe Passage is an advanced practitioner training program for health and social service providers who want to learn more about supporting women survivors of abuse through pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum period. It is my hope that as you move through the program materials you will grow in confidence to know that you too can create spaces that feel safe for women. You will learn how to respond appropriately to disclosures of abuse and will acquire new skills for working with women survivors.
Before we begin I have a few last minute reminders. Please remember to take care of yourself; it can be difficult to read and learn about violence and trauma. Please take breaks as needed, go for a walk and/or connect with family and friends. I strongly advise that you start a journal to help you process your thoughts and feelings that arise as you move through the program materials. Should you feel in need of further support please contact myself or a trained counselor or crisis line in your community.
Please remember that women survivors do not all respond in the same way to the abuse they have experienced. We must be careful to appreciate the creative and diverse ways that women overcome abuse and respect that women are the experts at their own lives. Women have the right to define themselves and their experiences. As we will explore, there are various factors that assist in each woman's capacity and ability to transcend the abuse in her past. As professionals we too will have experiences that differ from one another; this is a great strength to any program. This diversity allows us to bring our collective wisdom together, exchange our ideas and advance the care that women survivors receive. Please feel free to be critical of any course content, theories or readings you encounter in the program. By talking about these issues, even if we strongly disagree with one another, we are breaking the silence that abuse creates.
Should you have questions or concerns at any time please contact me. It is best to reach me by email at info@asafepassage.info
I look forward to moving through this program with you.
Be well,
Jodi Hinds