Everyone deserves a happy relationship where they feel loved, supported, valued, and respected. Unfortunately, domestic violence remains a significant issue, affecting both men and women, leading to negative self-perceptions. Domestic violence, an umbrella term for domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, includes physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional abuse to gain and maintain control over another person (United Nations).
This abuse is widespread, with about 10 million individuals, both men and women, experiencing domestic abuse annually in the United States. Every minute, nearly 20 people face physical abuse from their partners (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Resources such as domestic violence shelters and collaborative efforts between public, private, and nonprofit organizations are crucial for positive outcomes. For example, the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team (DVERT) comprises law enforcement officers working with victims and addressing calls (McLaughlin et al., 2021). While these measures are important, they often provide support after violence has occurred rather than preventing it.
Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Despite the common belief that women are the primary victims, men also experience domestic violence and rely on resources like hotlines, therapy, and support groups (Pallansch et al., 2022).
The Ecological Systems Theory and Domestic Violence
Russian-American psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory posits that humans interact with five environmental systems that influence their relationships and lives (Howell et al., 2021). This theory is used to understand the interconnected relationship between individuals and their environment, particularly in social work and policy reformation.
- Microsystem: The closest relationships, such as family dynamics and communication abilities, can influence the prevalence of domestic violence.
- Mesosystem: Community attitudes towards domestic violence affect the availability and accessibility of resources for victims.
- Exosystem: Factors like housing, food insecurity, and social and economic policies can contribute to domestic violence.
- Macrosystem: Laws, politics, education, and healthcare resources can impact those affected by domestic violence.
- Chronosystem: Life transitions, such as divorce, the birth or adoption of children, the loss of a loved one, career changes, or significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic, can perpetuate domestic violence (Carter et al., 2023).
Policy and Social Work’s Role in Addressing Domestic Violence
In 1994, Congress passed the Violence Against Women Act to reduce violence against women, strengthen penalties for abusers, and help law enforcement combat crimes like sex trafficking (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). Ten years earlier, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) established funds for compensating domestic abuse victims and supporting domestic violence shelters.
The strengths perspective in social work emphasizes focusing on people’s strengths, resources, environments, and communities rather than solely on their problems (Rapoza, 2004). This approach has been widely adopted by social service providers globally, as it encourages clients to identify their strengths and weaknesses and seek resources for self-help (Kam, 2021).
Conclusion
As a social worker, I would promote positive change by working at the macro, mezzo, and micro levels. This includes advocating for policy reforms, collaborating with communities, and providing therapy and support to individuals impacted by domestic violence. Social justice, a core value of social work, requires fighting for equality and access to resources, which is essential in addressing domestic violence.
Social workers must engage in advocacy and policy-advocacy to support the well-being of individuals and communities. Policy advocacy is a professional competency linked to social workers’ moral and personal obligations (Schwartz-Tayri, 2021).
References
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