Common Threads: a recovery programme for survivors of gender based violence

A multi-dimensional, intervention programme for survivors of gender based violence was piloted in Lago Agrio, Ecuador and a nearby Colombian refugee settlement. Local facilitators were trained to implement the programme with small groups of women.The model introduces art therapy techniques, psycho-education, peer support, symptom reduction techniques and psychosocial skill building, within the context of a women’s hand sewing collective. Participants design and sew narrative textiles (known as ‘arpilleras’ in parts of Latin America) in order to share their experiences and process memories. This article documents the development of the model, and its implementation in that community.