National Coalition to End Child Marriage
End Gender-Violence Zonta Says NO!
US Women at the UN
Experiential Learning About Domestic Violence
In Her Shoes is designed for learning about domestic violence. Participants move, do, think and experience the lives of battered women. Participants are given a card (or share a card, depending on the number of participants) describing the background and current situation of a character. Stations throughout the room contain color-coordinated plot cards that align with each character.
SOME SIGNS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE
Checking your phone, email, or social media without your permission
Putting you down frequently
Isolating you from friends or family
Extreme jealousy or insecurity
Explosive outbursts, temper, or mood swings
Any form of physical harm
Possessiveness or controlling behavior
Pressuring you or forcing you to have sex
As groups are led to different stations, they read through scenarios their character faces with their partner and various systems, and make choices about their character’s next steps.
Following the participants’ experiences, it is key to hold a debrief discussion. The discussion may include what was learned, how the experiences of the characters differed, and how what was learned might effectuate changes in the community. The discussion also provides the facilitator the opportunity to dispel myths and misunderstandings – and provide information about domestic violence experiences in the community.
