“Putting back the puzzle pieces” of life after domestic abuse. A pilot study on the effects of Dance Movement Therapy on self-esteem and anxiety in women survivors of gender violence in the Netherlands

Gender-based violence is a pervasive global problem that undermines the health, safety, and rights of millions of women and girls. Survivors frequently experience lasting mental-health consequences such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Creative, body-centered interventions have shown promise in supporting recovery and improving psychological well-being. This paper presents a pilot study of a 6-month Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) group intervention for women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) at a major Dutch shelter, with particular emphasis on the use of Greek dance in therapeutic, social, and pedagogical contexts. Combining qualitative and quantitative data collection, insights drawn from participants' artwork, focus groups, and interviews revealed five key themes: embodiment, self-awareness, transformation, cultural identity, and social impact. Building on these themes, the qualitative data further illuminated specific mechanisms underlying self-esteem, including increased self-awareness and the establishment of personal boundaries. Quantitative outcomes based on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale showed a statistically significant increase in self-esteem (Wilcoxon, p =.05), with a very large effect size (r =.92), consistent with individual Reliable Change Index (RCI) analyses. Change measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was mixed: two participants showed an increase, one a decrease, and one remaining stable. While findings from this small sample cannot be generalized, this pilot study indicates DMT's potential for women survivors of domestic violence and the need for further research.