Management of domestic violence
The response to domestic violence in Western countries is typically a combined effort between law enforcement, social services, and health care.
Historically, domestic violence has been viewed as a private family matter that need not involve the government or criminal justice.
[1] Police officers were often reluctant to intervene by making an arrest, and often chose instead to simply counsel the couple and/or ask one of the parties to leave the residence for a period of time.
The courts were reluctant to impose any significant sanctions on those convicted of domestic violence, largely because it was viewed as a misdemeanor offense.
Further, supports need to be put in place to restore the victim's safety and respect, which often includes the efforts of the person who did the harm.
"[10] In the 1970s, studies in Europe and North America showed that domestic violence was widespread in many homes, resulting in emotional and physical trauma, and sometimes death.
[11] Although acts of domestic violence are criminal and a violation of human rights, safety and dignity, as of 2010 the United Nation has found that it is still often considered a private matter.
[15] Criminologists suggest that abusers who are employed and have ties to the community may initially fear punishment, though many cases do not make it all the way through the criminal justice process.
[21] In addition to determining whether violence is present, counselors and therapists should also make the distinction between situations where battering may have been a single, isolated incident or an ongoing pattern of control.
Successful completion of groups is generally associated with old age, higher levels of education, lower reported drug use, non-violent criminal histories, and longer intimate relationships.
[31] Anger management is recommended as a part of an offender program that is based on accountability, along with topics such as recognizing abusive patterns of behavior and re-framing communication skills.
[27] Victims of domestic violence may require occupational therapy to be able to participate in work and to address a diminished skill-set caused by a prolonged absence from the workforce.
[33] Occupational therapists work with individuals to develop the skills needed to acquire desired roles and satisfactorily perform everyday tasks.
Occupational therapists can provide services through direct or indirect treatment, advocacy efforts, consultation, or group sessions.
[35] Within any of the practice settings, occupational therapists may encounter victims of domestic violence including individuals who have not reported abuse.
On the other hand, occupational therapy services may be requested for unrelated issues but consequences of violence are addressed after the patient reveals abuse to the therapist.
Occupational therapy contributes to recovery by enabling victims to create new roles, develop satisfying and productive routines, and gain the self-efficacy necessary to overcome the effects of domestic violence.
Adolescents who have seen or experienced domestic abuse may also benefit from occupational therapy to work on relationship and life skills and learn coping strategies.
[40] The objectives of the Duluth approach:[40] A news report from California cites a batterer intervention by The Center for Violence-Free Relationships based on Nonviolent Communication as having demonstrated zero percent recidivism within 5 years, and contrasts this with 40 percent recidivism within 5 years said to have been reported by DAIP for graduates of programs based on the Duluth Model.
[42] It is paramount that women gain personal control over their body and a sense of self-efficacy in order to heal from domestic violence.
[43] However, women are less inclined to seek such help and healing because of societal norms (such as the expectation that femininity equates to domesticity) and gender disparity.
[45] The first step for healing involves women understanding the physical and social dimensions of their bodies and how they are depicted and valued in their society and culture.
By expanding services—job-seeking support, group talk therapy, drug use and alcoholism recovery support—a community can help an individual woman battle depression and suicidal thoughts caused by their trauma.
It is also through group participation that women gain new sources of support, while enhancing or restoring their ability to continue social and interpersonal connections with others.
