The Social Engagement Project: Addressing Isolation with Women Affected by Violence

"The intervention includes social visiting with women affected by violence. Social visiting is carried out by trained peer-workers. Peers are women who share life histories with the target study population. Peer-workers will establish a visiting schedule (day/time) and provide a detailed list of activities in two categories:~1. arts-based activities.~2. physical activities.~The peer will meet with the participant at the scheduled place and times to accompany the participant and engage in the activities with the participant.~Participation in scheduled social activities that target the interest and ability of women affected by violence is considered to improve social connectedness by increasing the quality and quantity of a woman's social interactions with a supportive, trained person who shares life experiences. Shared, consistent and reliable social activities also are hypothesized to reduce loneliness by contributing to a sense of belonging and sense of being cared for."