Addressing Family Violence and Abuse®

Addressing Family Violence and Abuse® is an adaptation of Fatherhood Is Sacred®/Motherhood Is Sacred® designed to address domestic violence in Native American families. Addressing Family Violence and Abuse aims to help fathers and mothers understand and overcome the cycle of violence and abuse, while also connecting them with their Native American heritage and the sacred responsibilities of being a parent. Individuals who are not Native American are also welcome to participate. 

In Addressing Family Violence and Abuse, facilitators lead small group sessions. Facilitators promote a sense of equality, create a supporting environment, and connect fathers and mothers to their heritage and families in a positive way. The facilitator uses storytelling to teach session material and encourages fathers and mothers to share their own feelings and experiences. 

Addressing Family Violence and Abuse content focuses on the three pillars of self-worth, identity, and purpose. Facilitators embed these pillars throughout 14 individual sessions. Session 1 introduces the program’s purpose and the importance of manhood/womanhood and fatherhood/motherhood in Native American heritage. Session 2 explains the foundational concepts of the program: family violence and abuse, and adverse childhood experiences. Session 3 explores the effects of abuse on youth. Session 4 encourages fathers and mothers to prepare for adversity, build good habits, and value hard work and learning. Sessions 5 and 6 examine each of the three pillars of self-worth, identity, and purpose and how they assist in the healing process. Session 7 explores pain and trauma, and Session 8 explores the path of anger, resentment, hatred, revenge, and evil. Session 9 examines the path to family violence and abuse. Session 10 and 11 discuss how to move forward from the cycle of violence and abuse through gratitude, kindness, change, and choice. Session 12 emphasizes the need to be teachable, barriers to being teachable, and how to find truth. Session 13 describes how to begin the process of healing and forgiveness. Session 14 closes the series with the importance of strengthening family and suggestions for successful change.  

Addressing Family Violence and Abuse® does not currently meet criteria to receive a rating because no studies met eligibility criteria for review.

Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed: Mar 2024

Sources

The following sources informed the program or service description, target population, and program or service delivery and implementation information: the program or service manual, and the program or service developer’s website. 

This information does not necessarily represent the views of the program or service developers. For more information on how this program or service was reviewed, visit the Review Process page or download the Handbook.