SWSP6313: Interpersonal Family and Structural Violence Assignment Answer

Introduction

Violence against people has a significant influence on people, families, and communities on an individual, family, and structural level. The term "interpersonal violence" describes violent activities that take place between people. Physical abuse, sexual assault, mental manipulation, bullying, and domestic violence are just a few of the many ways it can appear. In addition to causing immediate injury, interpersonal violence can also have long-term consequences for victims, including trauma, lowered self-esteem, and strained relationships. Family violence, often known as domestic violence, includes violent acts that take place in close or personal relationships. It might manifest as aggression against siblings, children, elders, or spouses (Mercy et al., 2017). On the other side, structural violence refers to violence that is ingrained in societal systems and structures. Socioeconomic gaps, unequal access to resources, discriminatory laws, and institutionalised oppression are frequently how it shows up. Interpersonal, familial, and structural violence all require multifaceted solutions to be addressed. It entails raising awareness, confronting cultural norms that support violence, fostering empathy and education, and putting in place laws that defend and uplift weak people and communities (Burton et al., 2020). The essay will focus on partner abuse, the frequency of violence against intimate partners is shaped by social and cultural norms. The understanding of the judiciary, the government and the community roles and responsibilities in the prevention of intimate partner violence. The primary drivers for family and gender violence will also be focused. The campaign known as ‘Stop It At Start’ will also be discussed along with its main elements to be followed for the prevention of violence.

Description

Domestic violence or partner abuse are other names for intimate partner violence, which is a pattern of violent behaviour that takes place in a close relationship. It includes a variety of destructive behaviours, such as coercive control and physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse. Intimate relationship violence has complicated and multiple root causes. Societal elements including gender inequality, inflexible gender roles, and cultural practices that normalise or downplay violence may be among them (United Nations, n.d.). Individual characteristics can also play a role in either committing violence or becoming a victim of it, such as a history of trauma, substance addiction, and mental health problems. The development of abusive behaviours is also influenced by the dynamics of relationships, power disparities, and inadequate conflict resolution abilities. Intimate partner abuse has catastrophic and pervasive effects on individuals who are impacted. Physical injuries, ongoing agony, and ongoing health problems are possible for victims. The emotional and psychological damage they experience frequently results in anxiety, sadness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and low self-esteem (Rakovec-Felser, 2014). Social and cultural norms, as well as a person's identity, including their gender, age, socioeconomic status, and other intersecting characteristics, have a significant impact on intimate partner violence. For those who are impacted by intimate partner violence, these variables influence their experiences of violence, vulnerability, and the process of seeking treatment. Experiences of intimate partner abuse can also be influenced by cultural values, such as conceptions of marriage, family, and honour. In some cultures, upholding the family unit or keeping the reputation of the community may deter victims from speaking up or asking for assistance out of concern for the potential stigma and social repercussions (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). Cultural expectations of gender roles and relationships may make it more difficult for those who do not fit these stereotypes to face abuse. The identification of a person, including their gender, age and socioeconomic status can result in a variety of violent, vulnerable, and help-seeking experiences (United Nations, 2023). Women are more susceptible to abuse as a result of gender-based violence, which has its roots in discrimination and power disparities. Due to this primary prevention of women has become a priority for the policy makers (Salter, 2016). Children and young people who see or personally suffer intimate partner violence may experience special difficulties in terms of their emotional development, educational outcomes, and well-being. Violence against intimate partners may occur more frequently or have worse effects depending on socioeconomic class. Due to a lack of finances or structural impediments, people from disadvantaged socioeconomic origins may also struggle to receive support services (WHO, 2021).

Family and gender-based violence is a complex issue influenced by multiple factors, including individual, interpersonal, structural, and cultural elements. While it is important to note that each case of violence is unique and multifaceted, there are several primary drivers and underlying factors commonly associated with family and gender-based violence. These drivers and factors can vary across different societies and cultures. At the core of family and gender-based violence is an imbalance of power and control within relationships. Perpetrators often use violence as a means to assert dominance, enforce control, and maintain power over their victims ()Women Learning Partnership, 2018). Gender inequality, which includes societal norms, attitudes, and expectations that favour men and subordinate women, is a significant contributing factor. Traditional gender roles and stereotypes that perpetuate male dominance and female subservience can create an environment where violence is more likely to occur. Patriarchal systems that prioritise men's authority and reinforce male privilege can create an atmosphere conducive to family and gender-based violence. This can lead to the normalisation and excusing of violence against women and other marginalised genders (Stamarski et al., 2015). Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, unemployment, and economic instability, can contribute to family and gender-based violence. Financial stress, limited resources, and inadequate access to support services can intensify tensions within relationships. Substance abuse, including alcohol and drug addiction, can exacerbate violence within families. Substance use can impair judgement, increase aggression, and lower inhibitions, increasing the risk of violent behaviour (Reiss et al., 2019).

Family violence can be learned and perpetuated across generations. Individuals who have been exposed to violence during their upbringing may be more likely to repeat similar patterns of behaviour in their relationships. Cultural norms and social beliefs that condone or tolerate violence, especially within the private sphere of the family, can contribute to the perpetuation of family and gender-based violence. This includes beliefs that reinforce male entitlement, condone aggression, and stigmatise victims (Lloyd, 2018). Insufficient access to legal and social support systems can enable family and gender-based violence to persist. Limited awareness of legal rights, inadequate protection orders, and societal barriers that discourage reporting can make it difficult for victims to seek help and escape abusive situations. The judiciary, the government, and the community must all be involved in the prevention of intimate partner violence as well as the reaction to it. In resolving this situation, each of these organisations has specific tasks to perform and duties to fulfil. The judiciary must ensure that victims of intimate partner violence can receive justice, and courts must process these matters swiftly and impartially. This entails giving these cases a high priority, using qualified judges, and supporting survivors through the legal system. The government must ensure that victims of intimate partner violence can receive justice, and courts must process these matters swiftly and impartially. This entails giving these cases a high priority, using qualified judges, and supporting survivors through the legal system (UNODC, 2019). Enact and enforce comprehensive laws and policies that address intimate partner violence, including prevention, support for survivors, and accountability for offenders. Community-based organisations and programmes offer essential services like shelters, hotlines, counselling, and advocacy. They support survivors in locating services, navigating the healing process, and starting over in their lives. Communities can actively engage towards addressing social norms that support violence, advancing gender equality, and holding offenders accountable. Advocacy organisations and grassroots movements are essential for influencing policies and bringing about social change (BJA, 2022).

Social professionals must use a survivor-centred approach, taking into account the special needs and experiences of each person. Prioritising the security, independence, and well-being of survivors while offering nonjudgmental, compassionate, and empowering support. This entails paying close attention to survivors' stories, validating them, and incorporating them into decision-making. Social workers must undertake thorough risk assessments to ascertain the degree of danger survivors face and create safety measures in accordance with their findings. To do this, it is necessary to jointly identify potential hazards, develop plans for immediate safety, and disseminate information regarding the resources that are accessible, including shelters, legal safeguards, and social support systems. Social workers should help survivors find the counselling, medical care, legal assistance, and financial support they require (Social Care Institute for Excellence, 2023). They might act as advocates, guiding victims through procedures and gaining access to these tools. They can also help survivors develop methods for self-care and assertiveness to speed up the healing process. Social workers must do their work in accordance with the highest ethical standards. This entails upholding professional boundaries, informed consent, and confidentiality. To deal with moral quandaries and make sure their interventions are in the best interests of survivors and the larger community, they should engage in continuous monitoring and consultation (NASW,n.d.).

Along with the judiciary and social workers, there are programmes and campaigns which help the victims to come forward and raise their voices against violence by providing a platform which makes them aware of their rights. One such campaign is the "Stop It At The Start" programme is an Australian primary prevention initiative that focuses on early intervention and challenges negative attitudes and behaviours that might lead to violence to address and prevent gender- and family-based violence (Australian Government, 2022). The Australian National Research Organisation for Women's Safety (ANROWS) and other partner organisations helped the Department of Social Services of the Australian Government launch the campaign in 2016. It primarily targets parents, guardians, and other influential individuals who have a big influence on how kids and teens develop their attitudes and behaviours. This campaign has some major elements which help in the awareness of the victim about the importance of early interventions. The campaign aims to increase knowledge about the value of early intervention as well as the effects of attitudes and behaviours on gender-based and family violence (The Mandarin, 2022) It emphasises how attitudes that kids pick up early can affect how they behave in later relationships and interactions. The campaign fights social norms and harmful gender stereotypes that support inequality and violence. Its goal is to advance respectful, egalitarian, and consent-based relationships. "Stop It At The Start" offers parents and carers materials and skills to support positive parenting techniques. It urges parents to act courteously, promote open dialogue, and instruct kids on consent, limits, and positive interpersonal interactions. The campaign also includes quantitative and qualitative methodologies which include surveys and questionnaires, monitoring data on helpline calls, reporting rates, and the use of support services to spot any patterns or changes that might be related to the campaign. Analysing conversations, engagement, and comments on social media about the campaign to determine public opinion and pinpoint areas for success or development (Australian Government, 2023). Another such approach is National Research Organisation for Women's Safety for the women who face violence and are not able to cope (ANROWS, 2017). Another one included for the prevention of women from men violence is bystander action. the individual along with community responsibilities are used to prevent the women from violence (Powell, 2014).

Primary prevention of domestic and gender-based violence is taking proactive steps to address its underlying causes and risk factors. By encouraging attitudes, behaviours, and social norms that decry violence and advance equality and respect, it seeks to prevent violence from starting in the first place. Primary prevention initiatives are essential for increasing public awareness, educating local populations, and organising people and organisations to stop domestic and gender-based violence. The prevention policy and programmes are effective if they have five core principles. First is analysing the situation, second is intervention design, third is model development, fourth is investment and last is promotion of he effective thought (Michau et al., 2015). An effective primary prevention programme includes first education and awareness in which the campaign should inform people on the numerous types of gender- and family-based violence, such as sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and intimate partner violence. The incidence, repercussions, and effects of these types of violence on people, families, and communities should be brought to light. Second is the engagement of the communities where the campaign should involve a range of parties, such as local authorities, groups, businesses, and workplaces. To address the underlying causes of gender-based and family violence, it should promote cooperation and group effort. Third, the campaign should aim to dispel damaging perceptions and societal norms that support inequality and violence. It should advocate for gender equality, respectful interactions, and peaceful dispute resolution as the accepted norms in society. Fourth, the campaign should provide people with the knowledge, abilities, and resources necessary to successfully identify and respond to violent situations. Bystander intervention should be encouraged, and people should be given the means to safely intervene and assist victims (WHO, 2007). The media also plays an important role in awaring the people about the violence prevention. The media uses narrow resources and then involve people to aware them about the violence prevention and how they can use their rights (Sutherland, 2016).

Family violence prevention, especially primary preventive initiatives, is a critical function of social work. Some thoughts on the function of social work and suggestions for how social workers might aid in primary prevention include a holistic approach where the social workers take a holistic approach to their work because they understand that there are many interwoven systems and elements that contribute to family violence. They are aware that tackling institutional and cultural issues as well as individual behaviours is necessary for the primary prevention of violence (Fulu et al., 2013). To develop comprehensive preventative measures, social workers might promote legislative reforms, take part in community organising, and collaborate with a variety of partners. Second, by promoting family violence education and awareness, social workers can aid in primary prevention. For use in classrooms, community centres, and other venues, they can create and present workshops, training courses, and awareness campaigns. Social workers can assist stop violence before it happens by teaching understanding about healthy relationships, consent, gender equality, and peaceful conflict resolution. Third, by conducting research and evaluation studies to evaluate the efficacy of preventative programmes and interventions, social workers can contribute to primary prevention. Social workers can find best practices, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement by gathering and analysing data. They can create and apply primary preventive measures with the use of research-based findings. Fourth, social workers are well-versed in the effects of culture and social circumstances on family violence because they are trained to work with a variety of communities. They can aid in primary prevention by guaranteeing culturally sensitive methods that respect various viewpoints and take special needs into account. Social workers can interact with marginalised communities, promote culturally appropriate remedies, and oppose persistently violent cultural practices (Fulu et al., 2013).

A comprehensive approach to prevention is needed for the prevalent and complicated problem of family and gender-based violence. Primary prevention initiatives, like the "Stop It At The Start" campaign, are essential for empowering people and communities by increasing knowledge and opposing harmful practices. Society can try to bring about long-lasting change by identifying the main causes and contributing aspects of family violence, such as power disparities, gender inequity, socioeconomic circumstances, and cultural standards. Social professionals are essential players in the initial fight against domestic violence. They contribute by taking a holistic approach that takes into account cultural, structural, and individual aspects. Their responsibilities include cultural sensitivity, early intervention, empowerment and skill building, collaboration and partnerships, research, and assessment. Societal workers seek to empower people and communities, lobby for legislative reforms, and promote healthy relationships and societal standards to stop violence before it starts. Fostering collaboration among different stakeholders, including social workers, government organisations, community organisations, schools, and healthcare professionals, is crucial for achieving meaningful and long-lasting primary prevention. We can develop comprehensive solutions that address the underlying causes of family violence and build safer and more just societies by collaborating, exchanging knowledge, and utilising resources. The judiciary, the government, the community, and social workers must all adopt a multifaceted approach to this complicated and persistent issue known as intimate partner violence. We have looked at the definitions, prevalence, underlying causes, strategies, and effects of intimate partner abuse on survivors throughout this debate. In addition, we have analysed critically the obligations of various organisations in preventing and combating intimate partner abuse.

References

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