We Are HER Retreat Assists 14 Survivors in Becoming Healed, Empowered & Restored

Fourteen survivors of domestic violence from across the country visited Montana for a week of healing though We Are HER's annual Survivor Retreat.

We Are HER is a Cardwell-based nonprofit that helps survivors of abuse or assault heal after trauma. They work specifically with survivors who are out of crisis or dangerous situations.

Now entering its third season, the We Are HER Survivor Retreat is an opportunity for survivors to have explicit "permission" and time carved out to focus on themselves as they heal from trauma. The retreat offers a unique experience, as many organizations that help survivors are focused on legal advocacy, shelter, or therapy. The retreat is a four-day healing and educational experience that empowers survivors through trauma recovery education and connection with other survivors.

"I have tools I can take home with me that will help me with my healing journey," said one of this year's anonymous survivor participants.

The retreat provided a unique workshop for the survivors on Intimacy After Trauma, led by Hannah Wilson, LCPC, CST, of Prickly Peach Sex Therapy, as there are only two licensed sex therapists in the state of Montana. Sex therapy is a service survivors of sexual assault or violence can benefit from with long-term impact on their well-being across a number of intersecting areas of their lives - including reproductive care, healthy intimacy, and self-esteem. We Are HER aims to provide workshops that the average survivor cannot easily access.

The Retreat provided a 100 percent fully funded experience for the 14 survivors, which is important for a group that is vulnerable to financial abuse.

99 percent of domestic violence survivors experience financial abuse, and up to 60 percent lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse.

Unfortunately, the statistics keep going. But survivors can't keep going without the resources and community support they need to recover and re-enter their day-to-day lives as their strongest, healthiest selves.

These numbers only grow when in the context of marginalized groups who have even less access to trauma-informed care or the knowledge and education to heal themselves. Access to stories, resources, and community through We Are HER's online presence removes some of these barriers.

The purpose of the retreat is to provide survivors with the tools they need to continue healing once they are home. While traditional therapy is not offered during the retreat, trained advocates support participants.

This all-volunteer-led and managed organization continues to innovate in order to meet survivors where they are and provide the essential healing tools needed to recover from trauma.