The ABCs of Relationship Abuseand Family Violence

Presenter:

Brenda Rosenthal, Prevention of Relationship Abuse Program Coordinator

Athabasca

Prevention of Relationship Abuse Program

Support and education for those affected by relationship abuse

Action plans

Safety Plans

Supported access to community resources

Community Action for Healthy Relationships -CAHR

Kelly Lynn Spafford – local CAHR Program Coordinator

Community agencies in Athabasca, Barrhead and Westlock are working together to address family violence

Funding of 1.1 Million received from Alberta Justice –Safe Communities Innovation Fund for the 3 communities until 2014

Community Action for Healthy Relationships -CAHR

3 key components:

Enhanced Outreach Services to full time – PRAP Coordinator

Coordinated Community Response e.g. Workplace & Community Protocols; referral protocols to increase awareness & to ensure timely access to services

Men’s and Women’s Treatment Program based on the Duluth Model and Alberta Health Services Provincial Family Violence Treatment Program Standards (draft May 2012)

Creating Change for Healthy Relationships Treatment Program:

New program for Athabasca for people struggling with the issue of relationship abuse

Separate Women’s and Men’s program; NOT couples counselling

Referral from agencies, community organizations and self referrals

No charge to attend

Led by a qualified Therapist and trained Co-Facilitators

30 hours in length in either weekly sessions or Weekends format

Call (780) 689-8136 to refer

Family Violence

Alberta Government’s definition of Family Violence is  

Family Violence: any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship. It may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts forming a pattern of abuse through the use of assaultive and controlling behavior. (AB. 2011)

Its about Power and Control

The abuse or violence is used to intimidate, humiliate or frighten a partner of an intimate relationship, or to make them powerless.

Abuser’s Beliefs

Abusers feel entitled and justify their behavior

Abusers disrespect their partners and feel superior

Abusers confuse love and abuse

Abusers are manipulative

Abuser’s Beliefs

Abusers try to present a good public image

Abusers deny and minimize their abuse

Abusers are possessive

Abusive behavior is a chosen behavior.

Types of Abuse

Power and Control

Physical Abuse Sexual

Abuse

EmotionalAbuse

Verbal Abuse

Social AbuseSpiritual

Abuse

FinancialAbuse

CulturalAbuse

Intellectual Abuse

Property/Pets Abuse

Physical Abuse

Behaviors that cause pain or physical injury or the threat of, to the another person’s body.

Psychological/ Emotional Abuse Behaviors that undermine their partner’s sense of well-being or that causes the individual to perceive himself or herself as inept, not cared for, and worthless

Verbal Abuse The use of negative comments that are unwelcome, embarrassing, offensive, or threatening to another person

Sexual Abuse

Any unwelcome or forced sexual activities

Social AbuseAny behaviour resulting in the isolation and alienation of a person from friends or family

Intellectual AbuseDisrespecting, or devaluing another’s opinions, ideas or learning styles.

Financial Abuse

Using money to gain control or have power over another person

Spiritual Abuse Any tactics that exert power and control over a woman's spirituality or uses religious teachings to justify abusive behaviors.

Cultural Abuse

The use of culture to justify abusive behaviors or the use of power to devalue another’s culture.

Abuse of Property or PetsDamaging or threatening to damage another’s personal property to intimidateor control.

Using ChildrenGaining power over another person by threatening the child or access to the child.

Victim

Abuser

Children

Extended family

Friends

Society

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Children Exposed to Family Violence

Alberta Government definition:

Seeing, hearing, being told about, or seeing the aftermath of abuse and coercive control used against a parent. (2011)

“Children are not ‘witnesses’ to events in their home.” (2004)

Children “Exposed” to Family Violence have an increased risk of:

How can I help?

One caring person in a child’s life can make a difference.

• Listen to what the child has to say without interrupting or judging.

• Believe the child (but do not over-react).

• Assure the child that abuse is not their fault – no one deserves to be hurt or abused.

Report immediately to authorities.

Hands are Not For Hitting/Words are Not For HurtingPrograms

Dating Violence Awareness Program

New this fall

Vecova’s Research Services, with funding from the Canadian Women's Foundation and TELUS, developed a Dating Violence Awareness Program. Completed this spring the Plain Language program includes a Facilitator’s Guide, a Workbook, six PowerPoint Presentations, and two videos. The program is divided into six modules:

What is a Relationship?

Gender and Media Stereotypes

What is Dating Violence?

Abuse, Power and Control

Sexual Relationships

Help! I’m in an Abusive Relationship

Our Hope for the future

Children will understand that “Abuse is not normal”

A healthy role model takes an interest in them.

Children have reasons to believe in themselves.