Domestic Violence Recovery Project
Helping transform the lives of women living with domestic violence-based anxiety and trauma
Australia is experiencing an exponential increase in domestic violence, and there are currently few long-term treatment options available for women who are experiencing chronic trauma related to abuse.
The 1000 Women Domestic Violence Recovery Project from the David Lynch Foundation will build on our prior domestic violence trauma reduction initiatives by offering 1000 indigenous and non-indigenous women from all over Australia the self-sufficient Transcendental Meditation Program. This important study will expand on two prestigious Australian universities’ successful research on the role of TM in reducing the long-term mental health effects of violence and trauma related to domestic violence.
The ground-breaking ‘1000 Women’ project will provide a significant body of evidence relating to the long-term psychological recovery of victims of domestic violence living with chronic trauma. It will also provide a business case to expand the program in regional and metropolitan communities across Australia.
Pilot Study: Inner city shelter, Sydney
A transformative program has been quietly making a difference over the last 24 months at ‘Lou’s Place’, a leading domestic violence shelter for women in Sydney, with the voluntary implementation of daily Transcendental Meditation (TM) practise.
Funded by the David Lynch Foundation, TM was offered to both management and clients, and in late 2019, Melbourne University’s Phoenix Centre for Post Traumatic Mental Health undertook a small pilot study on how the TM practice was received by the women at Lou’s place.
The final report from Phoenix highlighted the ‘remarkable’ effect that TM had on the lives of women who had participated in the program – with many reporting a significant reduction in trauma symptoms, higher self-esteem and improved relationships.
Cynthia, a survivor of domestic violence, explains how after learning the gentle practice of Transcendental Meditation she regained her sense of self-worth.
SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXPLAIN HOW TM HAS HELPED TO HEAL TRAUMA
It’s really made me more aware of my space and my space in the world. Making better decisions for myself and being more conscious of what I need, in the moment. Learning to listen to myself, and say no.
It’s changing my life, every week I am noticing.”
It’s helping in a world of chaos. I have noticed my traumatic thoughts are lessening.
It’s miraculous.
I now know what is going on and work through it instead of feeling totally disconnected.”
TM is definitely the vehicle.
It opens doors in our consciousness and removes blockages. I am more patient with myself which is a huge deal for me. Being more grateful about what I am doing at the time. Less anxious and making better decisions for myself.”
Find out how …
The David Lynch Foundation’s Domestic Violence Recovery programs can assist your organisation by contacting beth@davidlynchfoundation.org.au
About TM
About the Transcendental Meditation® (TM) Technique
What is Transcendental Meditation?
It is a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced 20 minutes twice a day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed.
It has been taught by highly qualified Certified teachers worldwide for over 65 years and requires no change in lifestyle or adoption of any belief system.