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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Jennifer Slay

LICSW

Healing the Mind Through the Body: Mental Health Treatment for Women Survivors of Domestic Violence

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 2:30 pm
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Abstract

This Capstone Project aims to discover the mental health needs of women residing in domestic violence shelters and incorporate additional methods of intervention once a woman enters a shelter. The Capstone project details the background of domestic violence and common mental health conditions and symptoms experienced by women, including relevant historical moments and key studies that were conducted to determine that domestic violence has become a public health threat. By performing a systematic literature review (SLR), it was determined that there are two current forms of treatment for women residing in shelters, including cognitive-based and group interventions. Key theories, including systems, strengths-based, polyvagal, and contemporary trauma will be utilized to form an understanding of appropriate methods for intervention and treatment. Together, these theories create a framework for practitioners to use when working with women survivors to treat mental health symptoms and support a healthy transition out of the shelter they are residing in. As noted in the SLR, there are few treatment options for shelter residents; therefore, creating a holistic treatment modality is paramount in the healing process. The final piece of the Capstone Project will utilize yoga as a mind-body treatment method. This method aims to teach women how to heal their bodies while treating their minds and providing them with effective tools for exiting a shelter, leaving them more equipped to live independently.

Biography

Jennifer Slay received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University and her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky pursuing her Doctor of Social Work. Slay teaches at Auburn University’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Outside of teaching, Slay works at a private practice, providing therapy to adults in her community. Before her current work in academia and private practice, Slay worked in healthcare assisting individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus and child welfare, providing therapy to those involved in the foster care system.
Slay’s research focuses on addressing mental health among women residing in domestic violence shelters. Her Capstone Project dives into the mental health symptoms that accompany experiencing domestic violence along with ways to improve treatment for women residing in shelters. Slay has received the Inclusive Excellence Programming Fund and the Mission Enhancement Fund through Auburn University. In 2022, Slay received the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Best Poster Award for Virtual Interprofessional Learning. Slay has publications in the journals of Geriatric Nursing, Health Science Education, and Nurse Education Today. Her publication titles include: “Race and gender disparities in preventive health activity engagement of older adults in the southeastern United States,” “Learning together to work together: Introducing Interprofessional Education in the generalist curriculum,” and “Achievement of Interprofessional Competencies in live and virtual community clinics: A comparative study."