Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and the devastating aftermath can last a lifetime. The impact of domestic violence is not just physical, but also psychological, emotional, sexual, and economical. This research investigated these impacts and examined how mindfulness plays a role in helping female victims of domestic violence accept themselves in a non-judgmental way. This research also examined how being self-compassionate in the midst of trauma could initiate the process of healing from abuse. Social isolation plays a significant role in a woman's inability to become self-sufficient as does the mental distress that results in low self-esteem, shame, self-blame, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learning how to embrace ones' feelings and emotions with self-compassion and without judgment can boost self-esteem, ease mental distress, and empower domestic violence victims to stand on their own.

This research explored the process of integrating Mindful Self-Compassion and Social Cognitive Career Theory to help promote self-sufficiency in adult female survivors of domestic violence. Phase I (Analysis) of Development Research and Utilization (DRU; Southern 2007) model gave a detailed insight into the problematic human condition bringing about awareness to the problem with the desire of creating change. Phase II (Development) involved substantial research into understanding the population, environmental factors that influence individuals, and construction of a new product: a group treatment program entitled P.R.E.S.E.N.T- Purposeful Real Exceptional Sisters Entering New Territory. .