Section 1: RECOGNITION Module 6: Dynamics of family violence Respect Aging: Preventing Violence against Older Persons Section 1: RECOGNITION Module 6: Dynamics of family violence Violence Prevention Initiative

Agenda Welcome Brainstorming Learning together: Dynamics of family violence Small group activity Reporting back to whole group Wrap-up / Evaluation

What is “family violence”? = all forms of violence that take place within the family where there are relationships of · kinship · dependency · trust Family Violence refers to all forms of violence that takes place within the family where there are relationships of kinship, dependency and trust. This can mean violence between: Intimate partners; Parents and children; Siblings; and/or Extended family members

Violence against older persons is viewed in the context of family violence. Much of the violence that is committed against older persons is considered in the context of the family (system) and considered to be family violence because: it takes place within the family where there is kinship, dependency or trust it targets a specific group in society, many of whom are considered more likely to experience violence the perpetrators themselves may be victims of past family violence there may be financial dependency between victims and perpetrators

Family Violence Protection Act Defines family violence as: physical violence or the threat of violence actions that are threatening or abusive The provincial Family Violence Protection Act defines family violence as: physical violence or the threat of violence; or actions that are threatening or abusive. The Family Violence Protection Act can be found online at www.justice.gov.nl.ca.

Family Violence Protection Act Applies only to certain types of relationships: conjugal, or child under 19 The Act provides for Emergency Protection Orders: to protect adult victims and their children The Act only applies to certain types of relationships. It protects: a person who is or was in a conjugal relationship with the perpetrator, a person who has had a child with the perpetrator; the child must be under age 19. The Act does not apply when the perpetrator is/was not a conjugal partner. The Family Violence Protection Act provides for Emergency Protection Orders which makes emergency help available to adult victims of family violence and their children.

The Roots of Family Violence Family violence is the abuse of power and control in a family relationship. Unequal power between groups Stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice “isms” Societal tolerance for violence to solve problems Family violence is the abuse of power and control in a family relationship, where one person uses power to control another in a hurtful way. Violence persists in our society because of: Unequal power between groups (such as women and men) Stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice “isms” (sexism, ageism, ableism, racism, heterosexism) Societal tolerance for violence as a way to solve problems

Violence can continue into old age Acts of power and control take place across the lifespan: Violence does not suddenly stop at some older age. Violence does not suddenly begin with the vulnerabilities sometimes associated with older age.

Who is at risk of family violence? Women Children and youth Older persons People living in poverty Immigrants and refugees Aboriginal persons Persons with disabilities Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons People living in rural regions Any group outside the dominant culture Those most vulnerable to violence in relationships are members of groups that are seen by some as weaker, more vulnerable, and having less power. Anybody can be a victim of family violence. It can happen regardless of: gender ethnicity culture religion socio-economic status location ability education sexual orientation age

Perpetrators of family violence against older persons Frequent contact Intimate partners Adult male children According to the 2013 Statistics Canada report of Family Violence in Canada, in 2011 older women (age 65-89 years) in Canada had higher rates of violent victimization by a family member (67 per 100,000) compared to older men (61 per 100,000).* Family members who are most frequently in contact with an older person are most often responsible for the violence. Intimate partners and adult male children commit the most violence against older women. Source: *Statistics Canada. (2013). Family Violence in Canada: A Statistical Profile, 2011. Ottawa, ON: Minister of Industry.

Intimate partner violence Marriage, dating or common-law Heterosexual or same-sex Single episode to long-term battering Mostly by men against women May get worse with age May take on new forms Intimate partner violence It is violence in a relationship such as marriage, dating or common-law. Can occur among heterosexual or same-sex couples. Range from single episode to long-term battering. Mostly committed by men against women. May get worse with age as challenges or resentments grow. May take on new forms (i.e., emotional violence may become physical).

Intimate partner violence Important: A long-term partner rarely begins to abuse in old age If a long-time partner becomes violent, it may be due to some other reason such as dementia

Violence by adult children Most frequent family abusers of older persons in the home Adult child under 60 Lives with/nearby Dependency Violence committed by adult children is the most frequent type of violence against older persons. The typical perpetrator is an adult child under 60 who lives with or near the older person. Dependency is often present in an abusive relationship, where: the adult child may depend on the older person for money, shelter, or care; or the older person may be dependent on the adult child.

Reasons for not telling Shame, embarrassment, family loyalty Believing that “you get what you deserve” Fear of… being sent to a “home” or an institution the perpetrator being left alone Dependency on the perpetrator The “normalization” of violence Not being aware of options Older persons may not want to admit that they have been harmed by a family member. [Besides the reasons on the slide,] additional reasons for not telling include: lack of awareness that what they are experiencing is violence, abuse or neglect belief that a relationship is “for better or for worse” not knowing that what they are experiencing is violence lack of money trouble finding work or alternate housing/emergency shelters

Preventing family violence Complex social problem Requires holistic approach including: education raising awareness developing social and life skills involving individuals, families and communities A holistic approach to preventing violence in later life addresses many elements of this complex social problem. Aboriginal values teach that all life is connected. This suggests that violence cannot be healed by working only with individuals. Families and communities also have an important role. To address violence, the whole social system must be restored to balance.

Preventing family violence 1. Healthy relationships 6. Communication 2. Self-esteem 3. Appreciating differences 4. Personal safety 5. Understanding family violence Preventing family violence This diagram shows a holistic model for the prevention of family violence. There are six areas of knowledge and skills that are required of individuals, families and communities to help prevent violence against older persons: 1. Healthy relationships understanding the factors that affect and support healthy relationships; understanding how healthy relationships support personal needs and feelings of self-worth; knowing that respect for others promotes healthy relationships; developing good interpersonal and social skills 2. Building self-esteem knowing the factors that affect and support self-esteem and self-understanding; understanding and valuing personal empowerment; developing strategies to feel competent (including taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions) 3. Appreciating differences and diversity developing skills to examine stereotypes and assumptions about others; learning how to examine cultural and gender biases; appreciating, valuing and celebrating differences 4. Personal safety knowing how to stay safe; developing skills to identify risky situations and responses; Knowing helpful resources and how to access and use them 5. Understanding family violence increasing awareness of the problem of family violence ;knowing the factors that contribute to family violence; developing empathy for those who are affected by family violence; understanding how power and control are used in violent relationships; understanding that violence is never okay 6. Communication developing skills in active listening; building skills in managing anger; knowing that good communication skills are needed to deal with interpersonal conflict See end of Module 6 of Participant’s Manual for Dorlene’s story. Ask participants how they would use the model to assist Dorlene.