Principles
An understanding of domestic and family violence
1. An analysis that takes into account gender and power issues is fundamental for an understanding of violence
While violence may occur in various contexts (in partner relationships, in the family, in the community or in institutions) the common base is the unequal power relationship between the perpetrator and the victim, and more specifi cally, between men and women in society.
- It is important that this analysis of the social context is taken into account when working with clients who have experienced violence for the following reasons:
- It acknowledges women are disproportionately the victims of violence in families and/or relationships.
- It acknowledges intimate violence is not just a personal or relationship issue but refl ects broader social patterns of power and gender relations.
- It helps clients to understand they are not alone in experiencing violence and are not to blame.
- It places responsibility for the violence with the offender.
This analysis acknowledges the real differences between violence by men to women, and the violence by women to men, which include:
- Women are socialised to be passive in the face of aggression.
- Women usually have less physical strength.
- Women are more likely to experience fear and intimidation.
- Women are less likely to use sexual assault within a relationship.
- Women are more likely to be socially isolated.
- While mutual violence may have occurred between the parties, the effect of the violence on the woman is likely to be greater than the effect of the violence on the man.
A small percentage of men may fear for their lives at the hands of a small percentage of women, and conversely, a higher percentage of women may fear for their lives at the hands of a higher percentage of men.
While both men and women are affected by domestic and family violence, statistics show the overwhelming majority of victims continue to be women.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Personal Safety Survey (ABS 2005) showed that since the age of 15, 0.9 percent of men and 2.1 percent of women reported they suffered violence at the hands of their current partner, while 4.9 percent of men and 15 percent of women reported violence from a previous partner. This means women are three to seven times more likely to be victims of domestic and family violence than men.
Empowerment
2. We must work in a way that empowers clients who have experienced violence
Empowerment is associated with encouraging clients to make their own choices and identify their own goals. This way of working is important because:
- it is essential clients do not feel further disempowered or further abused by the legal process
- it acknowledges clients can make their own choices if given information and options in language they can understand
- it acknowledges clients’ support needs
- it acknowledges women’s support needs are different to the needs of men, especially if there is domestic and family violence within the relationship.
Client and worker safety
3. Safety must be prioritised
Client and worker safety is paramount. All factors must be taken into account when assessing risk and planning for safety. This safety assessment should consider emotional and psychological safety. Prioritising safety is important because:
- the fear clients feel in these situations is real and should be taken seriously
- it acknowledges the often life-threatening aspects of domestic and family violence
- society, and sometimes clients themselves, can minimise the seriousness of the violence
- the above are more likely to apply to women than to men.
Violence is a crime
4. We must acknowledge violence is against the law
When working with clients who have experienced violence it is crucial they are aware that violence is against the law. This perspective is important because:
there is a lack of equal access to a criminal justice response to violence against women and children
it challenges the idea that violence in a family or relationship context is a ‘private’ affair and therefore acceptable.
Access and equity
5. Cultural differences are recognised and respected in all aspects of service delivery
It is important when working with clients from non-English-speaking backgrounds to adapt work processes to best meet their needs. This respect for diversity is important because:
- it acknowledges the importance of access and equity principles
- it acknowledges clients from different cultural backgrounds will have different needs
- it challenges the notion that all clients have the same experience of violence.
Cultural diversity is not an excuse for violence or abuse in intimate relationships.
Collaboration and coordination
6. Collaboration and coordination of services should be encouraged in the response to issues of violence
Collaboration is important to ensure clients receive the best possible service. It requires various units or services that offer a response to coordinate their efforts. It may involve internal and external services and should refl ect the range of needs clients have when they have experienced violence — legal advice (in all appropriate areas), personal support, housing, information etc. A collaborative approach is important because:
- it acknowledges women and children who have experienced violence may not present to a legal service with violence as their primary ‘legal’ problem
- it acknowledges men are more likely to have access to fi nancial resources
- it acknowledges that responses to violence need to encompass more than a legal response
- it encourages legal offi cers to develop relationships with other professionals who also respond to violence, which enhances their knowledge and the service they can offer clients.
Respect
7. It is important to treat clients who have been affected by domestic and family violence with respect and sensitivity
It is important to use appropriate interpersonal skills when working with clients who have been subjected to domestic and family violence to foster trust and empowerment. We work with clients in this way to:
- encourage a non-judgmental approach
- validate clients’ experiences
- encourage clients to make their own choices, and ensure respect for those choices
- encourage women to take their safety and their children’s safety seriously, by believing their report of their experience
- encourage men to take responsibility for their behaviour to ensure they do not put the safety of their partner or children at risk.