Effective interventions in family violence

Question 1

Feminist view of Domestic violence:

Answer 1

• Feminist social work stresses the
  connection between personal problems
  and structural issues e.g. inequality of
  women in our society
• Keeping the family ‘private’ results in
  hidden violence and protection of
  perpetrators of violence

Question 2

Strategies for intervention:

Answer 2

• Development of strong policies (in and out of agency).
• A thorough knowledge of dynamics, incidents and probable presentations of DV.
• A thorough knowledge of potential legal recourse.
• Knowledge of resources and services (e.g. court support/women’s refuges/).
• Knowledge of local support group, sexual assault services, medical services and paediatric services.

Question 3

Relationship counseling in DV:

Answer 3

• Clients may request to be seen as a couple. It is NOT an ethical response to agree to see both parties.
• ## It IS ethical to refer the violent partner to a service that specialises in working with perpetrators of violence.

Question 4

Children’s needs:

Answer 4

• Paediatric services if children have been hurt.
• Notification of Department of Community Services if children are involved.
• Assessment of children’s risk can’t depend on the mother’s assessment.
• Minimisation & denial mean children’s exposure to violence is not fully comprehended in the crisis situation.

Question 5

Psychological effects:

Answer 5

• Disempowerment and disconnection from others.

- The basic capacities for trust, autonomy, initiative, competence, identity and intimacy are diminished.