Introduction
Domestic violence is a concern in the United States; it poses a threat to the security and safety of victims and their families. One out of every four women report abuse from their partners or husbands at some point in their lives. Statistics shows about 5.3 million cases of domestic violence annually; this occurs among women of 18 years and above. Domestic violence results in severe injuries and other negative consequences; this raises concern and a need to curb its prevalence (All State Foundation, 2014). The organization is formed on the foundation of domestic violence elimination. It carries out various activities in an effort to deal with the problem. In order to comprehend its place in curbing domestic violence, an analysis of the following must occur; economic issues, special needs of service receivers, steps and benefits of the program used by the organization.
Economic issues
Domestic violence results in a variety of economic challenges. Apart from the physical aspect of domestic abuse, many victims experience economic abuse. It occurs through prevention from; access to bank accounts, credit cards, and work. Economic deprivation worsens the situation victims find themselves in. The program focuses on eliminating the economic challenges associated with domestic violence. It focuses on economically empowering victims and their families through; participation in job-readiness programs, job search, acquisition of affordable child care and housing options, and training on sustenance. Through the activities, the victims are helped in recovering and achieving economic security (All State Foundation, 2014).
Several studies show economic conditions as the determinants of leaving or staying in abusive relationships. Thus, in order to end domestic violence, the economic hindrance must be dealt with. Victims must be helped in leaving violent homes despite the fear of loss of homes, benefits, income and economic security. There are inadequate national resources focused on addressing the wide range of economic stability issues faced by victims; the program steps in to make significant changes.
Special needs
Victims of domestic violence have a variety of challenges; this presents the need to be dealt with in helping them adjust. The organization has programs focused on addressing the special needs of domestic violence victims. It occurs through the provision of services to address the emotional and physical trauma (Social Issue Report, 2011).
The special needs include; psychological wellbeing, educational needs, physical safety and physical health. Psychological needs emerge from the mental impact of traumatic experiences in domestic violence. The experiences can be stressful and need to be dealt with through therapy, medication and other recovery practices. The program offers counseling and therapy services helping victims cope with the memories of trauma. Such interventions change one’s outlook in life and make him/her ready to live a normal life. In reference to physical health, domestic violence results in injuries and harm; the victims require treatment and regular medical checkup to ensure they recover from the abuse (Vinton et al. 2006). The program works with local healthcare centers in providing for the victims’ needs.
Subsequently, the victims have safety needs; they need protection from further harm by the perpetrators of domestic violence. Shelters keep them safe and educate them on self-protection from future cases of domestic violence. The organization teams up with local law enforcement agencies in ensuring the victims’ security. They also receive education and training on how to be economically independent. It prevents tolerance to recurrent domestic violence and helps victims provide for their own needs (Vinton et al. 2006).
Program’s provisions
The organization’s programs focus on the identification and provision for the needs of the victims. The program’s success lies on the collective efforts of victims, their families, community and the nation at large. First and foremost, the program focuses on women and children; this is based on the fact that 85% of domestic violence victims are women and children. Aiding them is a great step in eliminating the vice.
The program focuses on four significant steps; community awareness and advocacy, pre-crisis and crisis services, children’s services, and medium and long-term services. The community awareness and advocacy stages involve various programs. The programs focus on the improvement of community response. It occurs through; increasing public attention to the negative impact of domestic violence, and making victims aware of their options (Social Issue Report, 2011). The organization creates initiatives such as; public representations, publicity campaigns and establishment of community networks. It involves volunteers, community and religious organizations in presenting and spreading information. Through the initiatives, victims receive support, encouragement and strength in seeking assistance and knowledge; it reduces victimization stigma.
The crisis and pre-crisis stage focuses on the provision of services necessary in giving quick and efficient response to emotional and physical trauma; this also prevents future violence cases. The organization has a confidential and free hotline where victims and concerned persons can seek help and information. Through the hotlines, they can be referred to relevant services providing for their legal, health and social needs. It provides victims with options such as group therapy, medical clinics and shelters.
The medium and long-term services stage focus on addressing the victims’ needs. Some of the long-term services include; legal and medical advocacy. Counseling and aid in achieving economic, financial, and social independence. Through counseling, victims are able to accept and deal with past experiences. It also increases self-confidence and reduces social isolation and self-blame. Through medical and legal advocacy, victims access information, knowledge, psychiatric care, and legal advice.
The last stage focuses on the provision of child services. The organization has services focused on helping children who are victims of domestic violence. The services are outlined in reference to the therapy, educational, social and other needs. It teaches children how to handle violence, reduce self-blame, learn safety plans and live healthy lives. It also has daycare services for women victims who join employment in a bid to provide for their children’s needs (Department of Human Services, 2010).
The program’s stages show how the organization benefits victims of domestic violence and reduces its prevalence. Since its inception, the program has significantly reduces such cases in the community. It manages several shelters providing safety and housing for victims. Through the counseling programs, it has helped many victims move on and develop self-independence. Many women have since moves out of the shelters, bought homes and live stable lives, providing for their children’s needs. The organization also ensures the quick recovery of victims through provision of relevant medical and therapy services. Through community sensitization, it has made the community aware of the need to eliminate domestic violence. It continues working with the community in ensuring the safety of the vulnerable.
Conclusion
Domestic violence remains a prevalent concern worldwide. It results in several economic, health, psychological and physical issues. There is a need to handle and eliminate the negative consequences of domestic violence. Through the program’s components, it can identify and cater for the needs of domestic violence victims. Collective effort will ensure the victims, their families and the community work together in eliminating domestic violence. Every domestic violence victim should be helped in developing the self-esteem and confidence needed in protecting themselves and making personal decisions.
Reference
All State Foundation (2014). Domestic Violence and Economic Abuse. The All State Foundation Domestic Violence Program. Retrieved April 24, 2014 from http://www.readinessbeginswithme.org/pdf/DV%20and%20Economic%20Abuse%20Fac t%20Sheet.pdf
Social Issue Report (2011). Empowering Victims of Domestic Violence. Retrieved April 24, 2014 from http://www.rootcause.org/docs/Resources/Research/Empowering-Victims-of- Domestic-Violence/Empowering%20Victims%20of%20Domestic%20Violence- %20Social%20Issue%20Report.pdf
Vinton, L., Wilke, D., Griffith, A., Starks, J., Heffner, M., and Mack, J. (2006). Florida’s Domestic Violence Needs Assessment for 2006-2007. Institute for Family Violence Studies. Retrieved April 24, 2014 from www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/domesticviolence/publications/docs/NeedsAssessment0607 .pdf
