intervening on behalf of children subject to domestic violence with due consideration to cultural...
DESCRIPTION
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.TRANSCRIPT
Intervening on behalf of children subject to domestic violence with
due consideration to cultural variables
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Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSWwww.yoursocialworker.com
When Intervening…
Safety first.
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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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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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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