1. Domestic Violence 1 Preventing Domestic Violence against Women in the Young Adulthood Stage of Development Brandy Williams PSY605: Developmental Psychology Instructor: Cheryl Cabero March 28, 2016

2. Domestic Violence 2 Preventing Domestic Violence against Women in the Young Adulthood Stage of Development Program title: Peace Among Us Target population: Young adult women between the ages of 21 to 39 years old. Geographic location: Gaston County, North Carolina Agency you represent: The Shelter of Gaston County

3. Domestic Violence 3 Peace Amongst Us: Program Summary Peace Amongst Us: Program Summary Proposed solutions: To provide 1-800 number for concerned citizens to report domestic violence anonymously. More undisclosed shelters to house the over flowing population of young women who are victims of domestic violence. Legal aid funds set aside specifically for court cost to help young women escape the confines of domestic violence with their children. Counselors available at shelters 24/7 to help domestic violence victims process their trauma and move forward. Support group with sponsors to help prevent young women from returning to the domestic violence situation

4. Domestic Violence 4 Peace Amongst Us: Program Summary Continued…. Developmental Research and Theory Validating Program Efficiency Erickson’s Theory – Ages 19 to 40, Intimacy versus Isolation. Need for intimate and loving relationships. Failure leads to isolation and success leads to fulfillment (Rob, 2013). Effectiveness of Education and Prevention – Young women need support not only escaping the violence but also reaffirming support to prevent going back to the abuser s isolation is often part of the victim and abuse becomes normal (Tuncay-Senlet, 2012). Continual Psychological Supports - Young women often suffer PTSD and will need ongoing counseling and support. Placing therapist at shelters can help victims process emotions and events (Chrisler, 2006).

5. Domestic Violence 5 The Shelter of Gaston County: Organization Description and Qualifications Has been operating for 35 years in Gaston County, NC (The Shelter of Gaston County, n.d.). Has licensed social workers present during the week. Has trained volunteers present 24 hours a day. Has constant surveillance to help and protect those who are served. Great community resources. Accommodates women and their children (The Shelter of Gaston County, n.d.).

6. Domestic Violence 6 Background… This program is very necessary amongst women in the young adult age group. This group of women have a need for intimacy and love and often they confuse attention both positive and negative with love. The cycle of domestic violence will continue without psychological help and intervention (Krishnan, 2012). In the past 10 years the trend has continued to rise on domestic violence against women. Statistics show that young girls and children who have been witnesses to and lived in domestic violence often become victims of domestic violence as young adults (Eisikovits, 2015). Most scholarly researched that I have reviewed states that domestic violence is tough to escape when it comes to young women leaving their abuser due to the need in his life stage of successful love and intimacy. With the proper support research shows that the cycle can and will be broken.

7. Domestic Violence 7 Program Narrative and Procedures The program will be implemented by placing all resources in place, public service announcements involving social media, and flyers and posters in schools and public places. Ethical considerations are: confidentiality amongst those reporting abuse as all calls are anonymous. All abuse is reported to law enforcement as it is a crime and illegal in NC. Victims will be provided housing and other supports. All participation other than reporting abuse is strictly voluntary.

8. Domestic Violence 8 Program Timeline and Cost/Benefit Assessment  Grants and funding sought from state, federal, and county funds, as well as private donations and volunteering.  Estimated cost $1.2 million yearly for medial care, legal aide, housing, and support programs for victims.  Cost are outweighed by community benefit due to reduced homicidal rate involving domestic violence.  Breaking the cycle reduces future poverty rate amongst young girls seeking assistance due to domestic violence and the lifestyle effects.  Program will be evaluated annually for effectiveness and will run as long as effective. Original grant funding for program seeks 5 years of dedication contingent upon effectiveness.

9. Domestic Violence 9 Program Evaluation and Expected Outcomes Program Evaluation Methods Expected Outcomes Evaluate crime rates involving domestic violence amongst young adult women. Evaluating breakage of cycle in young women returning to their abusers. Participants filling out surveys anonymously. Reduced homicides and injuries from domestic violence amongst young women. More community support for domestic violence victims. Break the silence about domestic violence in the community.

10. Domestic Violence 10 Sources: CHRISLER, J. C., & FERGUSON, S. (2006). Violence against Women as a Public Health Issue. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1087(1), 235-249. doi:10.1196/annals.1385.009 Eisikovits, Z. &.-W. (2015). Dimensions of Suffering among Old and Young Battered Women. Journal of Family Violence, 30(1), 49-62. doi:10.1007/s10896-014-9655-9. Ending violence against women: the case for a comprehensive international action plan /Oxfam. (2013). Oxford: Krishnan, S. S. (2012). Minimizing risks and monitoring safety of an antenatal care intervention to mitigate domestic violence among young Indian women: The DIL MIL trial. BMC Public Health, 12, (1), 943-955. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-12-943. North Carolina Department of Justice. (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.ncdoj.gov/getdoc/43e3cd15-65fb-409a-a71d-726f3dc92bf8/2013-Report-on-Domestic- http://www.ncdoj.gov/getdoc/43e3cd15-65fb-409a-a71d-726f3dc92bf8/2013-Report-on-Domestic- Violence-Related-Homicides.aspx Rob G., S. (2013). Re-Envisaging the Eight Developmental Stages of Erik Erikson: The Fibonacci Life-Chart Method (FLCM). The Shelter of Gaston County. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.gastongov.com/departments/shelter. http://www.gastongov.com/departments/shelter Tuncay-Senlet, E. (2012). Domestic Violence against Women in Relations to Marital Adjustment and Psychological Well-being, With the Effects of Attachment, Marital Coping, And Social Support. Retrieved from EBSCOhost March 7, 2016.