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2. Prevention of Domestic Violence against Immigrant and Refugee Women Training Manual. 3. Developed with financial assistance from the Government of Ontario, Ontario Women Directorate (OWD). 4. . 5. . Clarification:Why Prevention of Domestic Violence Against Women?. 6. . According to the 1999 general Survey on Victimization (GSS), women are:Six times more likely to report being sexually assaulted .
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1. Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants(OCASI)
2. 2
3. 3 Developed with financial assistance from the Government of Ontario, Ontario Women Directorate (OWD)
4. 4
5. 5 Clarification:
Why Prevention of Domestic Violence Against Women?
6. 6 According to the 1999 general Survey on Victimization (GSS), women are:
Six times more likely to report being sexually assaulted
7. 7 Five times more likely to require medical attention, as a result of an assault
Three times more likely to be physically injured by an assault
More than twice as likely to report being beaten
8. 8 Almost twice as likely to report being threatened with, or having a gun or knife used against them
Much more likely to fear for their lives, or be afraid for their children as a result of the violence
9. 9 More likely to have sleeping problems, suffer depression or anxiety attacks, or have lowered self-esteem as a result of being abused and
More likely to report repeated victimization
10. 10
11. 11 Domestic Violence: Definition
12. 12 Domestic Violence also occurs in same sex unions
13. 13 Characteristics of DV Acts involve:
Physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women
Unequal power relations between men and women
Presence of emotional or physical scars
14. 14
Dispelling the Myths
15. 15 Myth 1: Woman abuse is a new social problem
Fact: It is not new.
It has been condoned throughout history. E.G., the widely used term “rule of thumb” comes from a 1767 English common law that permitted a husband to “punish his wife with a whip no wider than his thumb”.
16. 16 Myth 2: Woman abuse occurs more often among certain groups of people.
Fact: Woman abuse occurs in all ethnic, racial, economic, religious and age groups.
Affluent women use shelters, legal clinics etc. less often.
17. 17 Myth 3: Women remain in abusive relationships because they want to stay. Fact: A woman may:
hope the relationship will get better
not want to break up the family
be isolated from friends and family
may fear blame from her family and community will blame her for the abuse or encourage her to stay
18. 18 Myth 3: Women remain in abusiverelationships because they want to stay. (cont’d) Feel ashamed and blame herself for the abuse
Fear for her own and her children’s safety
Depend upon her partner’s income
Suffer from low self-esteem because of her partner’s abuse
Have nowhere else to go
Have a partner who has threatened to harm her if she leaves
19. 19 Myth 4: Alcohol causes men to assault their partners.
Fact: The real cause is:
The batterer’s desire for power and control
Batterers often use alcohol as an excuse to avoid taking responsibility
20. 20 Myth 5: Men who assault their partners are mentally ill. Fact: Psychological characteristics of batterers are diverse. No single one can be linked to battering.
According Research, One in five Canadian men living with a woman admit to using violence against partner.
21. 21 Myth 6: Women often provoke assaults and deserve what they get.
Fact: Violence is a tool used by abusers to control and overpower. Abusers know that their partners are frightened of them and use violence as a method of control.
22. 22 Myth 7: Men are abused by their partners as often as women. Fact: According to research, wife assault constitutes the largest proportion of family violence, almost 76%, as opposed to 1.1% for husband assault.
More than 93% of charges in Ontario are against men.
23. 23 Myth 8: Most sexual assault happens between people who do not know each other.
Fact:
Between 70-85% of women who are sexually assaulted are assaulted by men they know.
Six of every ten sexual assaults take place in a private home. Four of every ten take place in a woman’s home.
24. 24 Myth 9: Pregnant women are free from the violent attacks of the men they live with. Fact: Of the one quarter of women in Canada who experienced violence from a marital partner, 21% were assaulted during pregnancy.
25. 25 Reasons why men abuse during pregnancy include: Added financial stress
Fetus becomes center of attention, causing jealousy
26. 26 Myth 10: Children who grow up in violent homes become violent when they are adults. Fact: Children who have seen family violence can become abusers
But children are also very open to learning other ways of behaving and understand that being violent does not promote a positive sense of self.
27. 27 For example, in a shelter for battered women, one of four children believed it is acceptable for a man to hit a woman if the house is messy. After group counselling, none of the children believed this.
Source: Family of Woodstock Inc. Domestic Violence Services Program. Domestic Violence: Dispelling the Myths.
28. 28
Canadian Statistics on Domestic Violence
29. 29 PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF ABUSE
1 in 4 Canadian women suffers some form of abuse by her partner
Women are at the greatest risk of increased violence – or murder – at the hands of their partner during the time just before or after they leave an abusive relationship
30. 30 Prevalence (cont’d) Spousal homicide accounts for 15% of all homicides in Canada. Between 1979 and 1998, 1,901 people were killed by a spouse: 1,468 women and 433 men
A woman is 9 times more likely to be murdered by an intimate partner than by a stranger
Domestic abuse remains an immensely under-reported crime: It is estimated that just 25% of domestic violence incidents are reported
31. 31 Canadian Statistics on Children Approximately 40% of wife assault incidents begin during a woman’s first pregnancy
Children are present and witness the abuse in 80% of domestic violence cases
32. 32 Statistics on Children (cont’d)
Children and adolescents who see their mother being abused experience emotional and behavioral problems similar to those experienced by children who are physically abused
Children who witness woman abuse frequently experience post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Source: Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services. Statistics.
33. 33
Forms of Domestic Violence
34. 34 Verbal abuse
Emotional and psychological abuse
Damage to property
Abuse of pets Financial abuse
Spiritual abuse
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
35. 35
Verbal Abuse
36. 36 Swearing
Yelling
Name calling
Put-downs Deception
Degrading comments
Threatening to take children away
37. 37 Verbal Abuse (cont’d) Brainwashing
Calling her “crazy”
Blaming
Demanding Interrogating
Contradicting
Using threatening tone of voice, etc.
38. 38
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
39. 39 Ignoring
Isolating from friends and family
Humiliating
Neglecting
Criticizing
Being intimidating (through looks or body language)
Playing mind games
40. 40 Emotional Abuse (cont’d) Disrespecting
Embarrassing
Harassing Terrorizing
Degrading in public
Threatening suicide
Stalking
Using silent treatment, etc.
41. 41
Damage to Property
42. 42 Breaking things in the house that belong to the children and to her
Throwing gifts given to her by family and friends
Cutting up her favorite dress
Throwing her things in the garbage
Sabotaging her car, etc.
43. 43
Abuse of Pets
44. 44
Kicking or hitting the dog or cat
Threatening to kill the pet
Using loud intimidating voice with respect to the pet, etc.
45. 45
Financial or Economic Abuse
46. 46 Preventing her from getting or keeping a job
Denying her sufficient housekeeping money
Putting all bills in her name
Making her account for every penny spent
Denying her access to cheque book or account or finances
Demanding her paychecks
47. 47 Financial or Economic Abuse (cont’d) Spending money allocated for bills or groceries on himself
Forcing her to beg or to commit crimes for money Spending Child Benefit on himself
Not permitting her to spend available funds on herself or children
48. 48
Spiritual Abuse
49. 49 Using scripture selectively
Not allowing her to attend prayer services or celebrate religious holidays
Stipulating that a woman must respect and obey her husband
Preventing her from practicing her faith
Ridiculing her while she prays, etc
50. 50
Physical Abuse
51. 51 Pushing
Punching
Slapping
Kicking
Biting
Hair pulling
Pinching Grabbing
Scratching
Restraining
Throwing objects
Choking
Using weapons, homicide, suicide, etc.
52. 52
Sexual Abuse
53. 53 Unwanted touching
Sexual name calling
Inappropriate looks
Forcing a woman to do unwanted sexual acts Pressure to dress in a more “suggestive” way
54. 54 Sexual Abuse (cont’d)
Unfaithfulness
False accusations
Forced sex
Withholding sex
Hurtful sex
Rape
Homicide
Source:
Hidden Hurt Domestic Abuse
Information. Types of Abuse.
Tubman Family Alliance. Forms of Abuse.
55. 55 Cycle of Domestic Violence
Explosion/Abuse Honeymoon
Tension
56. 56 Three Phases of the Cycle of Violence Phase 1: Tension-Building Phase
Abuser gets angry
Might pick fights
Acts jealous and possessive
Criticizes or threatens
57. 57 Phase 1: Tension-Building Phase (cont’d) Drinks or uses drugs or acts moody and unpredictable
Partner may feel like they are “walking on eggshells” and try to reason, calm or appease the abuser.
The woman makes all attempts to calm him, hoping to stop the violence.
58. 58 Phase 2: Explosion Phase The tension escalates
Abuser gets angry and there is an explosion which may result in a physical or verbal incident.
Abusers may hit, attack, verbally or sexually assault, threaten or scream at their partners
59. 59 Phase 3: Honeymoon Phase The abuser apologizes
Promises not to do it again
Gives gifts, and may blame the woman for the violence
60. 60 Phase 3: Honeymoon Phase (cont’d)
The woman may experience a calm period, and during this period she is hopeful and forgiving
It is important to note that, if there is no intervention or real change the cycle will resume, generally with the tension-building phase
Source: Walker, Lenore. Dynamics of Domestic Violence – The Cycle of Violence.
61. 61 Module 2: The Identification of Indicators of Domestic Violence against Women
62. 62
Signs and Indicators of Domestic Violence
63. 63 Observable Signs and Indicators
Appearance of extreme nervousness or visible anxiety
Difficulty listening and focusing
64. 64 Observable Signs (cont’d) Uncontrollable crying or displaying of anger
Physical signs of violence (e.g., black eye, bumps and bruises)
Degrading or silencing of woman by partner in front of worker
65. 65 Verbal Signs and Indicators Feeling useless and unworthy
Desiring to leave him but having nowhere to go
Wanting to kill herself if not for the children
Describing partner as very aggressive and mean
66. 66
Physical
67. 67 Broken bones
Burns
Stab wounds
Concussions
Perforated ear drums
Loss of hair
Firearm wounds
Chronic stomach/bowel pain or discomfort
Chronic joint or muscle pain
Palpitations
Bruises
68. 68 Physical (cont’d) Cuts or abrasions
Bites
Sprains
Chipped or lost teeth
Internal injuries
Chronic headache
High blood pressure
Detached retina
Substance abuse problems
69. 69
Sexual
70. 70 Sexually transmitted diseases
Chronic genital or pelvic pain Bruising or tearing of the vagina or anus
Frequent pregnancies
Fear of sexual intimacy
71. 71 Sexual (cont’d) Miscarriages
Chronic vaginal or urinary track infections
Infertility
Female genital mutilation
Painful intercourse
72. 72
Psychological
73. 73 Low self-esteem
Difficulty in forming or maintaining relationships
Anxiety
Chronic stress
Lack of appropriate boundaries
Self degradation
Uncontrolled or rapid anger response
Memory loss
74. 74 Psychological (cont’d) Loss of concentration or productivity
Self-abusive behavior
Problems with parenting children
Frequent crying Passivity
Unusual fear response
Increased watchfulness
Sleep disturbances
Phobias
75. 75 Psychiatric Depression
Eating disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Suicidal thoughts
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Dissociation
Source: Middlesex-London Health Unit. Modified from: Woman Abuse. Impact of Abuse on Women’s Health.
76. 76
77. 77
Consequences for Abuser
78. 78
Loss of family members
Involvement with police and criminal justice system
Loss of job and income
Potential for escalation of abusive behavior
79. 79
Consequences for Women
80. 80
81. 81
Consequences for Children
82. 82 Some General Consequences
Break up of family
Feelings of anxiety, worthlessness, shame
Difficulty functioning in school
Distrust of adult figures
83. 83 Consequences (cont’d) Emotional Problems:
Anger
Confusion
Depression
Crying
Suicidal behavior
Nightmares
Anxiety
Sadness
Fears
Phobias
Eating and sleeping
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
84. 84 Consequences (cont’d) Behavioral Problems:
Withdrawing into or isolating themselves
Being aggressive
Exhibiting problem behaviors at home or school
85. 85 Consequences (cont’d) Behavioral Problems: (cont’d)
Possibly displaying regressive behavior (e.g., baby-talk, reverting to bottle feeding or wanting a soother)
Experiencing lower academic achievements
86. 86 Consequences (cont’d)
Physical Problems:
Headaches or stomach-aches
Nausea or vomiting, develop
Eating disorders
Bed-wetting
Insomnia
87. 87
Difficulties Women Have Leaving an Abusive Relationship
88. 88 Reasons why they stay include:
Fear of partner’s anger and retaliation
Hope that the relationship is salvageable
Desire to keep the family together
Fear of losing her home or lifestyle
89. 89 Reasons (cont’d) Reluctance to disrupt the children’s lives
Concern that the children will blame her
Fear of the unknown
Lack of financial independence
Lack of self Confidence — feeling that she could not make it on her own
90. 90 Reasons (cont’d) Lack of practical resources and support (e.g., nowhere to go, lack of affordable housing, no daycare assistance)
Fear of future hardship for herself and children
Experience of depression, stress or fatigue
91. 91 Reasons (cont’d) Experience of isolation and lack of support
Denial or minimization of the abuse
Desire not to be selfish
Fear of judgment from others
92. 92 Reasons (cont’d) Possession of religious and cultural beliefs that reject separation or divorce
Sense of guilt and shame
Sense of helplessness
Fear of being killed by abuser or abuser committing suicide
Lack of trust and faith in self
93. 93 Module 3: Cultural Issues & Competencies Related toAddressing Domestic Violence against Immigrant & Refugee Women
94. 94
Barriers Specific to Immigrant Women
95. 95
1. Social barriers
2. Language barriers
3. Cultural or religious barriers
4. Legal barriers
5. Fears regarding immigration
6. Other barriers
96. 96 1. Social Barriers
Isolation is one of the greatest stresses for immigrant women as they remain at home to care for children and relatives
Often an immigrant woman may not be aware of the options and resources available to her
Abusers often dominate and control their partner’s communication with the outside world
97. 97 1. Social Barriers (cont’d)
Abusers often control household finances and legal documents
Abused women often obtain information from their abuser, so many are misinformed and have misconceptions about seeking safety
98. 98 2. Language Barriers
Lack of foreign language skills-
do not understand their rights
do not effectively access services
99. 99 3. Cultural or Religious Barriers Women who speak English and who know their rights and the availability of services may not seek help to maintain family cohesion
Many immigrant women are under the misconception that children are the property of their father rather than the responsibility of both parents
100. 100 3. Cultural or Religious Barriers (cont’d) Attitudes of family, friends, and community members prevent some women from seeking assistance
Immigrant women often fear separation will bring shame to the family
101. 101 3. Cultural or Religious Barriers (cont’d)
Many immigrant women have never been independent, and they fear that they would be unable to live independently
102. 102 Cultural or Religious Barriers (cont’d)
Immigrant women often come from a close knit, mixed family where a partner’s relatives are married to their relatives (sister, brother). This complicates matters tremendously
103. 103 3. Cultural or Religious Barriers (cont’d) Strict religious practices or needing to ask permission from a religious leader in separation matters may prevent women from leaving
Culturally, the concept of separation may not exist – only marriage or divorce
104. 104 4. Legal Barriers Immigrant women fear accessing the legal system because:
It may appear to be unpredictable
They know of other women who have had a difficult time going through the legal system
105. 105 4. Legal Barriers (cont’d) They are unfamiliar with the Canadian legal system
They know of corruption or injustice in their country’s legal system and fear experiencing injustice in the Canadian legal system
106. 106 4. Legal Barriers (cont’d) Many women come from countries where justice is influenced by government; they are afraid of the police and therefore will not seek their assistance
107. 107 4. Legal Barriers (cont’d) Generally, when an abusive partner realizes that physical violence is illegal in Canada and that it may result in criminal charges, the abuser will employ other abusive methods. Women who experience emotional, verbal and financial abuse, but no physical abuse, may not believe they qualify for help
108. 108 5. Fears Regarding Immigration Abused women may be unaware that their refugee application can be processed separately
Immigration/refugee status or lack of status prevents some abused women from seeking help
109. 109 5. Fears (Cont’d)
Women who are sponsored by their husband and partners are often dependent on them for financial support
110. 110 5. Fears (cont’d) Some women often fear that seeking help from the police, courts, or hospital, could lead to their deportation or that of the abuser
Women may fear losing their children if they disclose the abuse
111. 111 6. Other Barriers
Fear of poverty and homelessness
Immigrant women often have no family in Canada and therefore lack an invaluable support network
112. 112 Dealing with Difficult Questions 1. Are women making up a story?
-No, women are not making up a story about the abuse.
2. Are they lying?
-No, women are not lying about the abuse.
3. Are shelters promoting divorce?
-Shelters do not promote divorce. Women have options.
113. 113 Difficult Questions (cont’d) 4. Where are men’s rights? Women have everything!
-False. Canada promotes equal rights for everyone.
5. Where do men go if they are being abused?
-Men can seek support and services from crises lines and community organizations.
114. 114 Difficult Questions (cont’d) 6. What is wrong with hitting my wife? I am not trying to hurt her, just to teach her a lesson because she is out of control and needs discipline.
-There is something wrong with hitting. Nonviolent discussion entails dealing with issues of conflict.
115. 115 Difficult Questions (cont’d) 7. Do women leave because they are cheating?
-No, women are not cheating.
116. 116 Difficult Questions (cont’d) 8. Don’t children need discipline? Canada is taking away our
right to be a parent.
- Incorrect. Canada does not take away the parents rights. It does
not promote physical discipline of children.
117. 117
Some Key Terms and Definitions
118. 118 Euro-centrism
An attitude, belief and position that assumes the moral or evolutionary superiority of Anglo-European values as the standard by which others are measured and evaluated and found to be deficient.
Euro-centrism fuels racism, western colonialism and expansion.
119. 119 Definitions (cont’d) Ethnocentrism
An attitude by which members of an ethno-cultural group consider their group and its beliefs and values to be superior to other groups, and to judge other groups negatively. It means automatically and routinely interpreting reality from one’s own perspective as normal or superior, while dismissing other perspectives as inferior or irrelevant.
120. 120 Definitions (cont’d)
Stereotypes and Stereotyping
Expressions, thoughts, and attitudes rooted in prejudice, ethnocentrism, and euro-centrism. Stereotyping presumes that we can judge an entire community of people on the basis of learned images and beliefs that we hold of them.
121. 121 Stereotypes and Stereotyping (cont’d)
Stereotypes are always offensive, including when they appear to be expressing something positive about a group of people.
122. 122 Definitions (cont’d)
Cultural Competency
Ability of organizations and systems to function and perform effectively in cross-cultural situations
It promotes the principles of inclusiveness and employment equity
Reflects and values cultural differences
123. 123 Cultural Competency (cont’d) Cultural competency does not necessarily address issues of power and privilege within organizations that are grounded in differing histories of oppression, colonialism and racism. These broader, systemic and structural issues that result in an unequal distribution of power and privilege within organizations, as elsewhere, need to be addressed if the practice of cultural competency is to be effective.
124. 124
Why are Cultural Competencies Important?
125. 125 We are able to:
Examine our own personal values and biases. E.G.:
what is the basis for our concerns?
Are we making assumptions or being judgmental?
Is this a result of our ethnocentric or euro-centric bias?
126. 126 We are able to (cont’d):
Recognize that we are in a position of power
And,
depending on our values and level of cultural sensitivity, can make this a positive or negative experience for the woman
127. 127 We can:
Become familiar with our comfort level with the topic of domestic violence
Become aware of your skill level, responsibilities and boundaries
128. 128 Module 4: Prevention of Domestic Violence — Assessment, Intervention and Referral
129. 129
Assessment
130. 130 Definition of Assessment:
Proactive assessment and intervention means assessing and evaluating an individual, not after, but before, the occurrence of an event, with a view to preventing it.
131. 131
Levels of Assessment
132. 132 Level 1:
This is the initial assessment by a frontline worker who may or may not be experienced in responding to woman abuse.
133. 133 Levels of Assessment (cont’d) Level 2:
This is a more in-depth assessment by a worker who is specialized in woman abuse issues, including immigration issues (e.g., the challenges related to immigration status).
134. 134 Levels of Assessment (cont’d) Level 3:
Assessment is also done at various levels as the woman seeks and makes use of a variety of services. For example, assessment will occur when legal or financial aid is sought, or when housing is requested by her or on her behalf.
135. 135
Important
Pre-Assessment Matters
136. 136 Ensure that the woman has access to an interpreter, if required
Ensure that the environment is safe for disclosures
Validate comments of fear of disclosure
Validate and affirm the woman’s experiences
137. 137 Pre-Assessment Matters (cont’d)
Inform the woman that this information will be shared with another worker who has expertise in domestic violence
Ask her permission to note some of the facts to help with memory. Explain to her why you are writing notes and what you will be using them for
138. 138 Guidelines for Conducting an Effective Assessment
Allow the woman an opportunity to present the domestic violence problem (i.e., let her tell her story)
Recognize that the issue of domestic violence may not arise at the start of the meeting before trust has been built
139. 139 Guidelines (cont’d) Be aware that a woman may not necessarily mention abuse as the issue. She may present a different problem (e.g., housing, finding a job, etc.)
140. 140 Guidelines (cont’d) Understand that a woman may speak about a friend who is being abused, when, in fact, it is she who is the victim
Understand that a child may have presented concerns about abuse by his/her father
141. 141 Guidelines Cont’d
Remember the occurrence of abuse could be denied at one stage and disclosed later
Remember that disclosure is a way for the woman to discuss the issue while keeping it confidential
142. 142 Guidelines (cont’d) Educate the client, if necessary, about domestic violence: some cultures do not identify verbal and emotional abuse as abuse
Emphasize and communicate that confidentiality will be maintained
143. 143
How to Assess
144. 144 Assess the immediate safety needs by asking:
- Are you in immediate danger?
-Where is your partner now?
-Where will he or she be when you are done with your medical care?
Do you want or need security, or the police to be notified immediately?"
145. 145 Assess the pattern and history of the abuse.
-Assess the partner’s physical, sexual, or psychological tactics,
"How long has the violence been going on?
Has the partner forced or harmed her sexually?
146. 146 Assess the Abuse (Cont’d)
Has the partner harmed family, friends, or pets?
Does the partner control activities, money, or children?"
147. 147 Assess the connection between domestic violence and the patient’s health issues: Assess the impact of the abuse on the victim’s physical, psychological, and spiritual well being.
- Assess degree of the partner’s control over the victim? "How is your partner’s abusive behavior affecting your physical health?
148. 148 Assess the victim’s current access to advocacy and support groups: - Are there culturally appropriate community resources available to the woman?
What resources (if any) are available now?
"What resources have you used, or tried in the past? What happened? Did you find them helpful or appropriate?"
149. 149 Assess [woman’s] safety:
Is there future risk or death or significant injury or harm due to the domestic violence?
Ask about the partner’s tactics: escalation in frequency or severity of the violence, homicide or suicide threats, use of alcohol or drugs, as well as about the health consequences of past abuse
Source: National Association of Social Workers. Domestic Violence Assessment and Intervention provided by the Family Violence Prevention Fund.
150. 150
Tips for Assessment
151. 151 Tips (Cont’d)
Communicate and emphasize confidentiality
Read signs
Observe hesitation
152. 152 Tips (Cont’d) Listen and validate
Conduct a high-risk assessment if the woman is in danger
Consider when it is appropriate to ask about impact on children. There are implications for action
153. 153 Tips (Cont’d) Recognize woman’s strengths (e.g., Use narrative questioning to learn about her, “What did you do today? What did you do before you came to Canada? Tell me about your friends,” and develop an inventory of strengths and a history of behavior.)
154. 154 Tips (cont’d) Consider safety of space (e.g., open office)
Consider woman’s fear that disclosing could result in children being taken from her
Consider the ‘message’ given when a person is led through the reception area in tears to a private room, or to the counsellor known to work with woman abuse
155. 155 Tips (cont’d) Consider the impact of companions (e.g., friends and family members, children, in-laws, husband, parents, who are present)
Use questions from existing assessment tools
Understand substance abuse
156. 156 Tips (cont’d) Use written forms when questioning about abuse to provide another channel for disclosure, as the woman might feel safer responding to written questions
Help the woman to feel comfortable
Demonstrate concern about her welfare
Determine if there are children involved
157. 157 Tips (cont’d) Remember the importance of body language and consider in which situations touch is appropriate
(e.g., in Tamil culture a light touch on the shoulder was identified as appropriate)
Listen effectively
Allow the person to determine how much she wants to talk about the problem
158. 158 Tips (cont’d)
Avoid questions that are presumptive
Be compassionate
Validate what the woman is saying (e.g., active listening)
159. 159 Tips (cont’d)
Use interpreters (a free service exists)
Communicate clearly what the next steps are now that the information has been shared
160. 160 Tips (cont’d) Provide support and inquire about the person’s informal supports (e.g., a trusted family member or friend)
Remember faith communities may or may not be supportive
161. 161 Tips (cont’d) Discuss what support looks like, whether it is really support
Inquire whether support is close or distant
Help the person to make decisions so she is central in the decision making
162. 162 Tips (cont’d) Ask the woman what she needs
Inform her of her options. Do not assume that a woman would prefer to be referred to someone in her own ethnocultural community
163. 163 Tips (cont’d) Recognize that some women have never been encouraged or allowed to make decisions
Do not assume that the woman knows what the options are (e.g., she might not know what a shelter is)
164. 164
Intervention
165. 165 Definition of intervention
An act that results in an effect
Is intended to alter the course of a process or an event
166. 166 IMPORTANT
Interventions should be conducted by workers specialized in domestic violence.
Mismanagement of the process may result in greater risk for the woman.
167. 167
Levels of Intervention
168. 168 Level 1:
This is the initial intake by a frontline worker who may or may not be experienced in woman abuse issues
169. 169 Level 2:
A worker who is qualified to work with an abused woman takes over and starts by doing more in-depth assessment
170. 170
Types of Intervention
171. 171 Types of Intervention (Cont’d)
172. 172 Types of Intervention (Cont’d) Emergency shelter
Permanent housing
Counseling
Support networks
173. 173 Types of Intervention (Cont’d) Legal and financial assistance
Family support
Support around immigration-related issues
174. 174
Tips for Intervention
175. 175 Tips Cont’d
Have a list of the names and telephone numbers of services available
Ensure that this is kept updated
Have a contact person attached to each service
176. 176 Tips (cont’d)
Connect with local woman abuse initiatives (e.g., Woman Abuse Council of Toronto, North York Family Violence Network, workshops, training, etc.) to keep up with pertinent issues
177. 177
Tips for Conducting an Effective Intervention
178. 178 Tips (cont’d) Remain calm
Be patient because the woman may find it difficult to make a disclosure of abuse
Provide information about domestic violence to the woman (e.g., forms of abuse, effects of the abuse, cycle of violence, etc.)
179. 179 Tips (cont’d) Inform her of your role (i.e., to help her make informed choices and decisions)
Listen to the woman and provide validating messages
Determine the extent of danger she may be in
180. 180 Tips (cont’d) Determine whether it is safe for her and her children to remain in the home
Work on increasing safety for the woman and her children by validating their experiences, providing support, and providing information about resources and options
181. 181 Tips (cont’d) Listen and respond to safety issues (See Appendix 5, Creating a Safety Plan)
Discuss safety planning and review it with her
Discuss with her how to keep information private and secure from her abuser
182. 182 Tips (cont’d) Take seriously any feelings the woman has of being endangered
Explain to women who are at high risk and planning on leaving the relationship that leaving without telling the partner may be the safest option
183. 183 Tips (cont’d) Ensure the woman has a safe place to go and encourage her to obtain advice from a lawyer
Reinforce the woman’s right to make decisions regarding her choices and options
184. 184 Tips (cont’d) Make suggestions regarding different ways she can be helped (e.g., housing, shelter, police, legal, welfare, etc.)
Inform the woman about any limits in confidentiality for example, child abuse or domestic violence reporting requirements
185. 185 Tips (cont’d) Explain to her that abuse is a crime, that children may be at risk of harm, and that you have a duty to report the abuse
Assure her that any actions regarding support and referrals will not be done without her input
186. 186 Tips (cont’d) Remember that the goal is not to get the woman to leave her abuser, or to “fix” the problem, but to provide support and information
Provide outside referral, support and monitoring, to ensure that the woman has access to a trained domestic violence counsellor and to relevant services
Source: National Association of Social Workers. Domestic Violence Assessment and Intervention
provided by the Family Violence Prevention Fund.
187. 187 Tips (cont’d) Explain how abuse is defined by the Canadian legal system, and discuss legal help available
Remember the various forms abuse takes (e.g., physical, emotional, sexual)
Follow your agency’s intervention guidelines
188. 188 Tips (cont’d) Remember your role is Level 1, that is, to support and refer the client
Observe language (e.g., possible language challenges, need to avoid jargon, etc.)
189. 189 Tips (cont’d) Focus on client empowerment and avoid building dependency
Don’t make assumptions about how much or little a women knows about services
Always ask if she would like a referral
190. 190 Tips (cont’d) Provide relevant support, service or emergency phone numbers
Help women make their own choices and decisions
Facilitate women making decisions (some women have not made many decisions
191. 191 Tips (cont’d) Ensure safety
Remember the woman is the expert on her own life
Know how and where to refer
192. 192 Tips (cont’d) Explain free services (e.g., legal aid)
Adhere to reporting requirements (i.e., duty to report)
Make inquiries on behalf of client without using identity
193. 193 Tips (cont’d) Describe available services and the different mandates of their agencies
Inform the woman of what will happen at other agencies, and provide relevant service information and contacts
194. 194 Tips (cont’d) Consider a woman’s safety and accompany her if necessary
Consider interpretation needs
Ensure all actions taken have the woman’s prior permission
Provide safety tips and plans
195. 195 Tips (cont’d) Mobilize external supports and options (e.g., family and community based intervention, support for the couple, support for relatives, etc.)
Discuss positive relations and the importance of moving from woman abuse to healthy relationships
196. 196
Referrals
197. 197 Definition
Referral comprises the act of sending a woman to another destination for appropriate service.
198. 198
Tips for Referrals
199. 199 Tips for Referral (cont’d) Know your organization’s relevant referral protocols and guidelines
Know the resources in your community, such as shelters specifically for domestic violence, police (any special units working with victims of domestic violence), legal aid, etc.
200. 200 Tips for Referral (cont’d)
Develop resources for your region and organization
Make referrals to local resources
201. 201 Tips for Referral (cont’d) Refer the woman, when possible, to organizations that:
reflect her cultural background or
address her special needs, (e.g. organizations with multiple language capacity)
Source: National Association of Social Workers. Domestic Violence Assessment and Intervention provided by the Family Violence Prevention Fund.
202. 202 Module 5: Strategies to Improve Services – Case Management, Best Practices, Interagency Coordination andLocal Services
203. 203
Case Management
204. 204 Definition: - Case Management:
A method of providing services whereby a worker:
assesses the needs of the client
arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for a variety of services
to meet the client’s complex needs.
205. 205 The Goal of Case Management Providing a service delivery approach, based on the assumption that clients have complex and multiple needs
Enhancing problem-solving and coping capacities of clients
206. 206 Goal of Case Management (Cont’d) Creating and promoting the effective and humane operation of systems that provide resources and services to people
Linking people with systems that offer resources, services, options and opportunities
207. 207 Goal of Case Management (Cont’d)
Improving the scope and capacity of the delivery system
Contributing to the development and improvement of education and social policy
Source: National Association of Social Workers. Case Management: NASW Standards for Social Work case management
208. 208
Interagency Case Management in Domestic Violence
209. 209 Interagency Case Management in Domestic Violence
Allows for the creation of an individualized approach to meet specific needs of women who have been abused, based on a comprehensive assessment
Is developed in collaboration with the woman and should reflect her decisions
210. 210 Interagency Case Management in Domestic Violence (cont’d) Empowers the woman through effective service delivery
Creates a seamless coordinated approach to violence prevention
211. 211
Organizational Approach to Domestic Violence
212. 212 Organizational Approach (Cont’d) Clear Mandate
In the case of an organization that has a domestic abuse program, the organizational approach comprises:
- streamlining the types of services available for abused immigrant and refugee women (e.g., assessment, counselling referrals, training, anti-violence education)
213. 213 Organizational Approach Cont’d Clear Mandate (cont’d)
For organizations Without a domestic violence program, there should be:
clarity about the level of basic assessment to be done
Clarity on the steps to be followed internally thereafter
214. 214 Organizational Approach (Cont’d) Clear Mandate (cont’d)
The process should:
-identify the contact person(s) in the organization to which the woman is being referred
oblige the staff who make the referral to call ahead to ensure that the woman will not be given the merry go round.
Ensure clarity on which organization is to manage the case
215. 215 Organizational Approach (Cont’d) Clear Mandate (cont’d)
Whether organization has the mandate through having a domestic violence program or not, having various languages is important to mitigate accessibility issues
216. 216 Organizational Approach (Cont’d)
Developed Framework
Apart from stipulation of process, the organizational approach requires organization that deal with the victims of domestic violence to have:
217. 217 Organizational Approach (Cont’d) Developed Framework (cont’d)
A commitment to cultural, linguistic and religious diversity
A dedication to anti-racism/anti-oppression approach
A recognition of the role that racism, ethnicity and linguistic barriers pose for women who experience domestic violence
218. 218 Organizational Approach (Cont’d) Best Practices
An organizational approach to domestic violence ensures that agencies that have domestic violence programs, as well as those that do not,
- endeavour to implement the features that exist in current good practice. e.g., management must ensure that:
219. 219 Organizational Approach to Domestic Violence Cont’d Best Practices (cont’d)
Agency staff are trained in domestic violence
Clear procedures and policies exist to support the work of staff and provide information on responsibilities associated with servicing abused women
220. 220 Organizational Approach to Domestic Violence Cont’d Best Practices (cont’d)
Detailed protocols and policies are in place,
delineating how to intervene, refer and work with professionals and institutions, such as the police, courts, lawyers, Children’s Aid Society and social workers
221. 221 Organizational Approach Cont’d Best Practices (cont’d)
Relevant policies and services are implemented, based on the needs of women
Protocols are transparent and allow for accountability
Evaluation processes are used to obtain feedback from service users
222. 222
Case Management -
Interagency Coordination
223. 223 Case Management — Interagency Coordination Many organizations that provide services to immigrants and refugees have abuse programs.
Some organizations do not have specialized programs.
224. 224 Case Management — Interagency Coordination (cont’d) Often, there is insufficient contact and networking between settlement organizations and more mainstream organizations offering women abuse programs.
225. 225 Case Management — Interagency Coordination (cont’d)
Many times, there is a general lack of information and coordination among service providers around strategies for violence prevention and intervention.
226. 226 Case Management — Interagency Coordination (cont’d) There is a need for collaboration and
coalition building because it:
Facilitates the harmonization of services and practices, making it possible to identify gaps in services to women who have been abused
227. 227 Case Management — Interagency Coordination (cont’d) Allows for the coordination of information, increasing the awareness of existing services provided by other agencies
Facilitates a coordinated response for advocacy, helping to define who is responsible for providing particular services and when, which ensures an effective monitoring and support process
228. 228 Case Management — Interagency Coordination (cont’d) Allows for the development of education and training for the prevention of domestic violence
Creates opportunities that reveal the impact of domestic violence on immigrant and refugee women, and the need for increased resources from government and other funding sources
229. 229 Whether an agency has an abuse program or not, there is need for clear protocols and guidelines to ensure that all the staff know what to do when a woman who might be a victim comes in their organizations
230. 230 Example of Interagency Collaboration forthe Prevention of Domestic Violence
231. 231 COMMUNITY PARTERNS
232. 232 Abbreviation Key CCC ? Community Crisis Centre DVU — Domestic Violence Unit (HOSP)DVU — Domestic Violence Unit (PD)HOSP — Hospital PD — Police DepartmentSS — Social Services VS — Victim Services
233. 233 SAMPLES OF AVAILABLE SERVICES
IDENTIFIED BY PAST PARTICIPANTS
IN
OCASI DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WORKSHOPS
234. 234
Services Identified By Participants From Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Society
The Shelter for Abused Women Hiatus House
235. 235 Services Identified By Participants From Victim Services, Wellington, Guelph Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis Mariann's Place, Transition Program, Sexual Assault Centre, 24 Hour crisis line. P.O. Box 1451 Guelph, ON, N1H 6N9
Guelph Wellington Sexual Assault Care and Traditional Treatment Centre, General Hospital. Delhi St., Guelph, ON, N1E 4J4
236. 236 Wellington, Guelph Cont’d Victim Witness Assistance Program, 36 Lyndham Street South, Guelph, ON
Homewood Health Centre, 150 Delhi St., Guelph, ON
Family Counselling and Support Services, 409 Coolwich St., Guelph, ON, N1H 3X2
237. 237 Wellington, Guelph Cont’d Community Mental Health Clinic,147 Delhi St., Guelph, ON, N1E 4J3
University of Guelph, University of Guelph Centre, 3rd Floor Guelph, ON, N1G 2U1
Family and Children Services of Guelph & Wellington. 55 Delhi St., P.O. Box 1088, Guelph, ON, N1H 6N3
238. 238 Services Identified By Participants From North York Community House, Toronto Barbara Schlifer Clinic
COSTI
Elspeth Heyworth
239. 239 SERVICES IDENTIFIED BY PARTICIPANTS FROM REXDALE WOMEN'S CENTRE, ETOBICOKE Micro skills
YWCA
Emestine Women’s Shelter
George Hull Centre
Rexdale Community Health
240. 240 Services identified by participants from Rexdale Women’s Centre Cont’d
Rexdale Legal Clinic
Family Services Association
Albion Neighborhood Services
241. 241 Services Identified By Participants From Family Counselling Centre of Niagara, St. Catharines Nova House, Women’s Shelter, Niagara Falls, 905-356-5800
Women’s Place North Niagara, Women’s Shelter, St. Catharines, 905-684-8331
Women’s Place South Niagara, Women’s Shelter, Welland, 905-788-0113
242. 242 From Family Counselling Centre of Niagara, St. Catharines Cont’d Design for a New Tomorrow, Counselling for Women, Niagara Region, 905-684-1223
Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre, Counselling for Sexual Assault Victims
Niagara Region-Welland, 905-734-1141
243. 243 From Family Counselling Centre of Niagara, St. Catharines Cont’d Women’s Resource Centre, Beamsville, 905-563-5910
Women’s Resource Centre, Smithville, 905-957-1838
Women Against Violence (W.A.V.E), Fort Erie, 905-871-1122
244. 244 From Family Counselling Centre of Niagara, St. Catharines Cont’d Niagara Victim Support Services, Niagara Region, 905-682-2626
Bethlehem Place, Supported Housing, St. Catharines, 905-641-1660
Centre de Sante Communautaire, Violence Against Women Program in French
245. 245 Identified By Participants From Catholic Family Services of Hamilton Wentworth, Hamilton, Ontario The Sexual Assault Centre
Elizabeth Fry Society
All five shelters in Hamilton
246. 246 Services Identified By Participants From My Friends’ House, The Collingwood Crisis Centre, Collingwood
My Friends House
The Collingwood Crisis Centre shelter, residency, 24 hour crisis line, womens group 444-2511
Catulpa Tamarac, Partner Abuse Program, 446-1120
247. 247 Services Identified By Participants From Guelph-Wellington Women In Crisis, Guelph Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
Family Counselling and Support Services
Guelph-Wellington Care and Treatment Centre for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Couple and Family Therapy Centre, University of Guelph
248. 248 Services Identified By Participants From Education Wife Assault, Scarborough
Scarborough Women Centre
South Asian Community Centre
249. 249
What Services are Available in your local area?
250. 250 Thank you!