intervening on behalf of children subject to domestic violence with due consideration to cultural...

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Given domestic violence and children, there is a hierarchy of interventions to be deployed in the interest of mitigating impacts and facilitating reasonable psycho-social development. Further and given a multi-cultural context, there are strategies to be deployed to enable culturally sensitive interventions with the aspiration of improving outcomes for the entire family – including the perpetrator.

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Intervening on behalf of children subject to domestic violence with

due consideration to cultural variables

www.yoursocialworker.com

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSWwww.yoursocialworker.com

When Intervening…

Safety first.

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London Bridge 1

The safety and security of the child is paramount.

Do not assume the victim (parent) can provide for the child’s security.

The victim’s own distress or secondary problems may over-ride their ability to care for the child.

The victim may use abusive of coercive strategies to manage the child.

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Safety First

Patriarchally organized families Isolation, Fear of racism, (I’m already different

enough) Language barriers, Uncertain immigration status, Pressures to keep the marriage going Children as chattel View of “Authorities”

Consider Cultural Variables…

When Intervening…

Structure second.

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London Bridge 2

Daycare Women’s Shelter School Regular mealtimes / nutrition Regular bedtimes and wake-up time

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Structure second

Routine and Predictability Reduce Anxiety

Patriarchally organized families Isolation, Fear of racism, (I’m already different

enough) Language barriers, Uncertain immigration status, Pressures to keep the marriage going Children as chattel View of “Authorities”

AGAIN! Consider Cultural Variables…

When Intervening…

Treatment third.

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Consider “Safety” as “Treatment” Ceases exposure and prevents re-exposure

Consider “Structure” as “Treatment” Reduced anxiety through stability of routines

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Treatment Third

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More Structural Interventions

Child

Family

Friends Home / Communit

y

School

STRUCTURAL INTERVENTIONS is TREATMENT!!!

When Intervening…

and support throughout

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London Bridge 3

Instrumental Access to services (medical, social, educational) Daycare or school placement Supplies (from diapers to gym shorts)

Emotional Counselling – group or individual A “safe place” or “buddy”

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Support Throughout

Is this a resilient child?

Are there indicators of disturbance?

Does this child necessarily need counselling

Might time and structural interventions mitigate

deleterious effects of witnessing DV?

If counselling is indicated, what type?

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Emotional Support

Patriarchally organized families Isolation, Fear of racism, (I’m already different

enough) Language barriers, Uncertain immigration status, Pressures to keep the marriage going Children as chattel View of “Authorities”

AND AGAIN! Consider Cultural Variables…

Individual Talk Art/Play/Music

Family Parent/child, sibling subgroup, entire family

Group Talk vs. activity based

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Types of Counselling

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Breaking the Silence – demystification

Understanding Roles and Responsibilities

Boundary setting

Learning to Identify Feelings

Managing Anger

Identifying Social Supports

Developing Confidence

Learning about the Cycle of Violence

Develop Conflict Resolution Skills

Symptom Reduction

Increasing Safety and Stability

Dealing with Separations

General Goals of Counselling

Intervening on behalf of children subject to domestic violence with

due consideration to cultural variables

www.yoursocialworker.com

Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSWwww.yoursocialworker.com

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