Change The Story And The Ecological Model

Change the Story and the Ecological Model
Change the Story proposes that individuals can ‘change the story’ where men and women can be treated equally. Through improving access to education, better polices, practices and support, women are more likely to be more respected in society and violence against women can stop. This campaign recognises that working together with communities, workplaces, institutions to ensure that women are more likely to achieve social and financial independence through society having more respect for women (Our Watch, 2016). Therefore, Change the Story is using a multi-dimensional framework to combat violence against women. This is a public health approach that is evidence based that has a strong focus on looking
Garcia-MorenoI and Watts (2011) support this argument as preventing violence against women should be addressed by investing in primary, secondary and tertiary level prevention which encorporates the ecological model. While ensuring women who are currently or have previously been affected by violence, have access to support services. This approach is evident in the Change the Story framwork as it also recognises the three level approach towards preventing violence against women. The Primary prevetion level focuses on educating the ‘whole population’ on the underlying issues and drivers of violence which is where Change the Story fits into the fremework. The Secondary level looks at early intervention for ‘at risk’ groups of being a victim or offender. Finally, the Tertiary level focuses on supporting survivers, holding offenders accountable and in turn, aiming to stop the violence from reoccuring (Our Watch, ANROWS & VicHealth, 2015). The model also helps identify individuals and groups that are more likely to be affected by violence (Garbarino & Crouter, 1978). Looking at four categories makes it easier to understand the level of risk, by understanding; individual, relationship, community and societal levels of influence (Our Watch, ANROWS & VicHealth, 2015). For example The tertiary level looks at biological and personal factors that impact one’s behaviour. These factors can increase the liklihood of being a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. Some first level factors include age, level of education, personality disorders, substance abuse and exposure to violent environments (Krug, Mercy, Dahlberg, & Zwi, 2002). The secondary level recognises that marital conflict can occur when offenders have associated with other violent individuals that are close to them. Other violent behaviour towards, other family members, friends