Eleison Foundation

We are continuing to implement trauma-informed yoga programming for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Hudson Valley through our ongoing partnership with Family Services in Poughkeepsie, NY. Trauma-informed yoga is an accessible form of mental health support that combines bodily movement, mindfulness practices, and breathwork while focusing on each participant’s unique needs and healing. The program’s focus on the mind-body connection can enhance a sense of safety in the body, stabilize stress hormones, strengthen emotional regulation, and improve overall well-being. We look forward to continuing to expand our partnerships in increasing access to trauma-informed yoga programming in the Hudson Valley.

We have recently completed the 9th cohort of the Healing and Resilience after Trauma (HaRT) Cebu program with 18 survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence. HaRT Cebu is 12-week trauma-informed program that integrates mindfulness practices, yoga poses, breathing exercises, and supportive group discussions to provide a safe environment for survivors’ healing. We express our thanks to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Contemporary Forms of Slavery and the Harry Shapiro Charitable Foundation for supporting our implementation of this important program.

We recently completed focus group discussions (FGD) with survivors of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) and the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Mindanao and Manila for our joint research project with the University of Nottingham Rights Lab and the International Justice Mission. This study examines how vulnerable populations rely on the criminal justice system for protection against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (TIP-OSAEC) cases, including child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) and livestreaming cases in the Philippines. We look forward to integrating survivors' recommendations in efforts to strengthen justice system responses to OSEC.