Spelman College’s Violence Prevention & Intervention Program Partners with REI and HBCU Outside to Harness Nature as a Tool for Healing

Peer Educators Learn to Assist Victims of Sexual and Dating Violence with Nature-Based Healing

Spelman College’s Violence Prevention & Intervention (VP&I) program recently held Welcome Outside Fest 2025 in partnership with REI and HBCU Outside. Hosted at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, the event modeled holistic healing activities that can be recommended to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

During the training, VP&I peer educators learned to harness the power of nature-based healing through wellness activities like hiking, kayaking and yoga. The students also completed a service project as part of their training.

“Outdoor healing provides a powerful way for students to reclaim peace and restore balance after experiencing trauma,” said Paula Hall, LCSW, assistant director of prevention and intervention for Spelman’s VP&I program. “Through this partnership with REI and HBCU Outside, we are showing students that nature can be both a refuge and a resource for recovery.”

Developed in 2018 to address the need to assist victims of sexual and dating violence, the VP&I program provides resources, peer education and prevention strategies to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking within the Spelman and broader Atlanta University Center (AUC) communities.

In May 2023, VP&I entered a partnership with REI to bring innovative, nature-based healing opportunities to students. For the past two years, this collaboration has introduced the Spelman community to restorative outdoor experiences designed to promote resilience, well-being and recovery from trauma. Spelman’s ongoing partnership with REI reflects the College’s mission to empower students through innovative, culturally responsive and healing-centered approaches.

“The outdoor experience with REI was very healing as it encouraged us to be still and in tune with our mind and bodies, which can be hard to do on campus or in the city. It reminded me of the importance of truly taking a break, and a great way to do that is by stepping out of your comfort zone,” said Kaela Hawkins, C’2026, VP&I senior peer educator and international studies major at Spelman. “It was a great opportunity to bond with my VP&I sisters, while doing something we’d never done before, like kayaking. Ultimately, I’ve learned that stepping outside of your comfort zone to connect with nature can be grounding and the perfect way to break your routine for a few hours.”

The initiative is part of VP&I’s broader commitment to fostering survivor-centered, trauma-informed programming that meets the needs of Spelman students while also extending support across the AUC. With food and transportation provided, the Welcome Outside Fest 2025 underscored the program’s dedication to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring all AUC students could participate in the day of wellness, community and connection.

By blending evidence-based prevention strategies with restorative outdoor experiences, Spelman’s VP&I program aims to reimagine campus-based support for survivors of interpersonal violence.