development of the men’s advice line & working with men experiencing domestic violence mark...
TRANSCRIPT
Development of the Men’s
Advice Line
&
Working With
Men Experiencing Domestic Violence
Mark Coulter
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Background
• From small-scale project to national helpline• Victimisation NOT the issue• Relationships ARE the issue
• Gender role socialisation key to appropriate services
• Men are ‘problem-solvers’
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Er Hello!!!!
• Remove gender & increase risk• Not all violence the same• Exclusive not inclusive
• Add-ons but dominant culture remains• Us and Them
• Lack of engagement• No single profile of perpetrator or victim
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Men & Health
• Lack of awareness of their health needs• Inability to express their emotions
• Lack of social networks• Life or Death
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
What men fear
• Powerlessness• Not being valued• Abandonment
• Self• Being ‘other’
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
What we do
• Give men a chance to talk about their experiences
• Challenge Denial• Provide emotional & practical support• Focus on needs of individual caller• Non-judgmental & non-collusive
• Encourage help-seeking• Support & enhance crisis management skills
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
What is different in our approach?
• Male positive approach• Use plain language-not language of therapy
• Non-collusive• Support men making positive choices in
tough times• Explore solutions not emotions• WE DON’T BLAME WOMEN
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Challenges
Providing services for men requires • Centrality of understanding of gender
• Power & Control• Primary focus on safety
• Investment • Training
• New Ways of Working and Thinking
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Challenges for victim focussed agencies
• Victim or Perpetrator• Bi-directional violence and abuse
• Mutual allegations• Working with single incident & pattern of
abuse• Limits to confidentiality
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Significant Benefits
• Inclusive service• Makes men visible
• Assists risk management• Enhances women’s safety• Assists child protection• We are in this together
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology
Father Kills Children in Blaze
June 2007
Stopping Domestic Violence: What Works?28th to 30th May 2008, Waterford Institute of Technology