Group summary: Abuse Impacts Us All

Shay K, Sarah F, Merrill G, Mercedi P.

After reading through all of the articles and summaries written individually, we as a group unfolded that the most common factor that links all four articles is the prevalence of mental health issues surrounding domestic violence. Effects of continued abuse have detrimental impacts on victims including PTSD, mood disorders, gender based inequality, isolation of resources, women attempting to conform to their abuser, overall diminished selfworth and somatic issues including physical and developmental impairments. In general, abused women s rights are marginalized and inequality is grossly present. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states that everyone has the right not to be subjected to any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment and every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability. These rights are greatly neglected for women facing any type or form of domestic abuse. Isolation of resources and social support are also at the forefront of psychological abuse. Verbal attacks diminish self-esteem and add to social isolation. Feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame and hopelessness can also prevent these women reaching out and gaining social support or services available.

One of the articles we looked at states that Abused woman use medical services more frequently because of increased rates of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, suicide, somatization, posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse; Golding, 1999; Rees et al., 2011) and physical health issues (chronic somatic complaints, reproductive problems and injuries; Campbell, 2002). This also shows very low levels of utilizing specific domestic violence services, social workers and low levels of these women had a safety plan. This shows that while many of these women may be receiving health care services, many are not receiving support specifically designed to respond, intervene and support according to individual experience, type and form of abuse. We also found that previous victimization, socioeconomic status, race, previous or current mental health issues, homelessness, health, and substance abuse issues are all relevant and detrimental contributing factors to domestic abuse. Identifying underlying factors without judgement or blame is crucial in encouraging the process of healing and preventing subsequent abuse as per the cycle of abuse. In our findings, all articles touched on shame, and the stigma surrounding reporting domestic abuse as factors for victims not reporting the abuse occurring. This also includes a fear of losing their children. All of these issues contribute to the marginalization of abused women. This stigma and marginalization is an issue of human rights, and needs to be addressed and brought to light in order for social inclusion to begin. Domestic violence is an issue that

effects society as a whole. As CYWs and as women, we are passionate about having an impact in this area as it greatly influences many of the families we may work with. As well, collectively we have all been touched in a personal way by domestic violence. One of our group members was able to find the courage and strength to utilize resources in Toronto, including an abused womens shelter with her infant son many years ago while suffering from the effects of emotional and psychological abuse. From a personal perspective, she can firmly support the findings in our research around the overwhelming sense of stigma and shame that surrounds reporting domestic abuse. She speaks not only for herself but as well as the other victims who shared shelter with her the four months she resided there. There were tremendous feelings of shame and an intense fear of losing their children, which through conversation became an obvious contributing factor in reporting the abuse these women experienced. By lighting a candle in the dark, we can shine light on abuse of all forms. The issue of domestic abuse affects all of us. This includes teachers, doctors, lawyers, court systems, child welfare, friends, family, youth workers, and society as a whole. Our goal as a group in advocating and being an ally to victims of domestic violence starts simple by first being a role model and professional when dealing with cases of domestic violence. In our findings, many of the victims or people affected were in need of having their feelings validated and simply being heard. We need to provide resources and awareness to not only the victims but to the general public, as it affects us all. Many studies clearly show that abuse leads to mental and physical

illness, thus victims of this sort are not able to live to their greatest potential. Working in our field with families gives us an opportunity to help bridge the gap in services by stating our position clearly and listening closely. We all, as caring professionals, need to be aware of our language, and show compassion toward these issues on a daily basis. Our position on this issue needs to be sensitive, open and available even before a disclosure is made. We can do this in simple ways by empowering women in our everyday lives, and encouraging voices to be heard by making our position on this issue an open book. By simply speaking openly about these issues and our human rights, we can begin to open the door to communication, lessen the stigma and allow change to begin. Resources are important; however they will not be utilized if the fear of stigma and repercussion, such as losing ones children, is in the forefront. As advocates for domestic abuse survivors we begin with transparency around this issue, and our lack tolerance toward any form of abuse. Our statement of advocacy; Abuse impacts us all, you are not alone.

REFERENCES

Briere, J., & Jordan, C.E. (2004). Journal of Interpersonal Violence: Violence Against Women. Outcome Complexity and Implications for Assessment and Treatment , 19 (11).

Hegarty, K., et.al (2013). Effect of Type and Severity of Intimate Partner Violence n Womens Health and Service Use: Findings From a Primary Care Trial of Women Afraid of Their Partners. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 28 (2).

Stanley, N., Miller, P., & Foster, H. (2012). Engaging with children's and parents' perspectives on domestic violence. Child and Family Social Work, 17, 192-201. doi: 10.1111/j.13652206.2012.00832.x

Street, A. E., & Arias, I. (2001). Psychological Abuse and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Battered Women: Examining the Roles of Shame and Guilt . Violence and Victims , 16(1), 1-14.