“I have power in my voice”: exploring the potential of a group-based, peer-supported intervention to foster resilience after violence

Youth who experience interpersonal violence often struggle to access timely and culturally relevant mental health support. Group-based mental health interventions may expand access to care and enhance relevance of services. However, participants’ perspectives are needed to understand how group-based, peer-supported models may facilitate healing. Our objective was to describe recovery experiences of youth who engaged in a group-based, peer-supported mental health intervention after experiences of violence. We interviewed five youth about their experiences and perceived outcomes participating in and serving as peer mentors in a peer-supported group model embedded within a pediatric hospital-based violence intervention program. Using a modified grounded theory approach, we inductively coded interviews and generated themes. We constructed a phased model of resilience comprising healing after trauma, cultivating self-efficacy and developmental assets, and realizing empowerment. By centering experiences of youth, this study illustrates how group-based, peer-supported interventions can foster recovery, growth, and resilience after violence.