WSCADV created a series of revolutionary education tools designed to provide experiential learning about domestic violence. Based on the experiences of real survivors, participants walk in the shoes of various characters experiencing abusive and controlling relationships.
*Low stock alert – In Their Shoes Teens and Dating Violence Classroom Edition – we have a few kits left in stock, and more coming soon!*
How does it work?
Participants are given a card describing the background and current situation of a character. Stations throughout the room contain color-coordinated plot cards that align with each character. 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. The most critical part of the simulation, however, is the debrief. Discussion helps participants answer lingering questions, give the facilitator the opportunity to dispel persistent myths and misunderstandings, and helps participants engage in the way they can make change individually and locally.
We’ve seen this experience lead communities to shift their thinking about domestic violence and evolve their practices around what it really means to support survivors, hold those who cause harm accountable, and envision a world where violence and abuse don’t flourish as they do now. We all want communities where people can live and love without fear. It is up to us to create conditions where violence does not thrive and where communities are safe, secure, and whole. We hope this tool helps you to do that.
The series
In Her Shoes: Living with Domestic Violence
The original simulation is great for educating a broad range of community and professional groups and can be facilitated in sessions of one to two hours.
In Her Shoes: Economic Justice Edition
This version of In Her Shoes will increase awareness of the additional struggles survivors of domestic violence face when they are poor. The perspective of the abusive partner is also represented in the Economic Justice Edition. Most useful for longer training sessions where there are opportunities for group discussion.
*Low stock notice – we have a few kits left, and more coming soon!*
In Their Shoes: Teens and Dating Violence—Classroom Edition
Designed with the classroom in mind, In Their Shoes: Teens and Dating Violence—Classroom Edition is an engaging way to talk about dating violence and healthy relationships with young people in one class period.
Caminando en sus Zapatos
This edition, entirely in Spanish, is not a translation of the English versions. It contains all new characters and stories that illustrate the particular challenges facing Latin American immigrant women who are experiencing abuse.
Caminando en sus Zapatos: English Translation
This edition is a translation of the original Caminando en Sus Zapatos, which focuses on characters and stories that illustrate the particular challenges facing Latin American immigrant women who are experiencing abuse.
Questions?
The story
Advocates and survivors noticed that when they went out into the community to do training and prevention work, statistics and facts didn’t always connect with people, but when survivors told their stories, they would have a deep impact. Out of this, advocates and survivors sought to design a new training tool that would show people what it feels like to be in an abusive relationship. They created In Her Shoes based on the stories of real survivors. We hold deep appreciation for the Survivors in Service Network, and all domestic violence survivors who gave critical feedback throughout the project. We also are indebted to Dr. Karen Rosenberg, who wrote the original and teen versions. A variety of versions have since come out of the original In Her Shoes to address the different experiences of immigrant survivors, survivors experiencing poverty, and teens.