Restorative health: lessening the impact of previous abuse and violence in the lives of vulnerable girls
Henderson, A.D.; Jackson, M.
Health Care for Women International 25(9): 794-812
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0739-9332 PMID: 15513807 DOI: 10.1080/07399330490493322Document Number: 238593
"Restorative health" is the idea that those who have been denied access to the social determinants of health, particularly as young children, should have the right to restoration of healthy functioning. In interviewing a group of vulnerable young women, ranging in age from 15 to 22, we discovered how they experience the link between health and justice in their lives. Participants were living on the street, in extreme poverty, or both. Traumatic early childhood events continued to affect their ability to function healthy. We conclude and suggest that certain rights-based principles need to ground the development of interventions with this group.