Session Seven – Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence What is domestic Violence? What the following video and identify some of the key points relating to domestic violence? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOdPLr4zyNU

Definition “Domestic violence is physical, sexual, psychological or financial violence that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include forced marriage and so-called 'honour crimes'.” (Women’s Aid 2010)

Why does it happen Is about power and control Lack of awareness by the victim of the techniques used by the perpetrator to control Society continues to hide, excuse and ignore domestic violence ‘We can’t interfere, it’s a domestic.’

Influence of Media http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdJkztrQIto&feature=fvsr How can this type of campaign help victims of domestic violence?

Effects on Children Withdrawal Aggression or bullying. Vandalism Problems in school, truancy, speech problems, difficulties with learning. Attention seeking. Nightmares or insomnia. Anxiety, depression, fear of abandonment. Feelings of inferiority. Drug or alcohol abuse. Eating disorders. Constant colds, headaches, mouth ulcers, asthma, eczema. (Refuge 2010)

Effects on women Loss of opportunity Isolation from family/friends; loss of income or work; homelessness; emotional/psychological effects such as experiences of anxiety, depression or lowered sense of self-worth; poor health;  physical injury or ongoing impairment; death (two women a week are killed by their partners or former partners). (Women’s Aid 2010)

Effects on Men Are the effects of domestic abuse the same for men and women http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab2b-k_ZaEM&feature=related More likely to hide it due to Society’s perception of men as strong and macho "I told my colleagues that I had scratched myself during the night due to a change in washing powder - actually it was my wife who did it, but I couldn't tell them that." (Anon)

Survivor story: Sarah* He drank too much... The violence started pretty much straight away; He drank far too much and was drunk a lot of the time. I had grown up in a violent home, and had always said that if a man ever hit me, I’d hit straight back. The first time he hit me, I slapped him and it turned out to be the worst thing I could have done – he punched me repeatedly until he had to be dragged off me by two others who lived in the flat upstairs. He was psychologically abusive... After that it became a regular occurrence; I didn’t dare call the police for fear of what he might do afterwards. He was psychologically abusive and would tell me that if I ever left him he’d find me, wherever I was and kill me. I became pregnant and by that stage the abuse was mostly psychological but on one occasion, I wanted to go out but he wouldn’t let me – he stood in my way, smashed a bottle against the wall and held the broken bottle to my seven months pregnant stomach. I left on several occasions, but always went back because I was scared of what he’d do when he found me. * NAMES ARE CHANGED

Sarah’s Story What steps could you take to help Sarah? What skills do you think you would need to develop a relationship with Sarah?

Strategies to Help Inter-agency working - practical help and support Refuges Sympathetic listening Non judgemental Respecting diversity Focus on enhancing capabilities Need to be knowledgeable