Family Violence, Abuse and Recovery

The following global ideas guide the design and delivery of this course:

• Abuse occurs in the context of family, community, and culture.  For a number of reasons (emotional, psychological, economic) individuals can respond reactively and intentionally or unintentionally cause harm to others.  Human development, change, and adaptation occur throughout the lifespan.
• Abuse takes on many forms and interpretations. Abuse can be presented as physical abuses, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse.  While many victims represent vulnerable populations (children, elderly, disabled, women) abuse surpasses ethnicity, class, and economic status.
• Child abuse is historically problematic. Concerns raised over the protection of children have continually led to debate over the sanctity of the family versus state intervention.
• Different cultural groups have different perspectives on abuse, discipline, recovery and support.
• Family violence affects one in eight families.  The themes of gender and socialization are central to an understanding of wife battering, child abuse and sexual assault.  Family violence, particularly wife battering is a reflection of an unequal distribution of power within a society that is patriarchal, based on male prerogative.
• Considered the “hidden abuse”, elder abuse is on the increase due to the rise in the aging population.  The demands on the caregiver of an aging population are both stressful and exhausting.  In families where resources (economic and support systems) are minimal, stressors increase and the risk of elder abuse escalates.
• The role of human service practitioners in an abuse situation is to support, report, advocate and refer, from a strengths-based perspective.  It is critical that practitioners refrain from investigations, as this is the responsibility of the police, Crown Counsel, and/or child protective services.
• Abuse intervention is difficult and can often be disturbing.  Practitioner self-care is an essential component to effective work.  Practitioners can benefit from establishing personal and/or professional support systems.  Practitioner’s well-being is dependent upon self-awareness, a sense of humour, objectivity and the ability to be proactive.  A personal plan aimed at stress reduction and self-care is recommended.
• Working respectfully with people involves having an awareness of both our personal and professional values, and our attitudes, and beliefs.  Ethics are central in working with issues of abuse and violence.