Domestic Violence Norms
TEN COMMANDMENTS IN INTERACTION WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
by Delishia Mitchem
Domestic Violence is an issue for people of all walks of life. Regardless of social class, gender, economic background or ethnic group, domestic violence is prevalent. Current studies show that one out of every four women is a victim of domestic violence, and there are rising numbers in the male population. This takes the form of emotional, verbal and physical abuse.
As a domestic violence survivor, I am compelled to share the following commandments for interaction with domestic violence victims and survivors. This is not simply crisis counseling, but it is specialized with a systematic approach.
When interacting with the victim of domestic violence, it is important to govern yourself by the following commandments:
1.Thou shall not make the …show more content…
During the decision-making process, the victim needs both the freedom to make choices and the support of a listening ear.
3.Thou shall not waste time talking about the perpetrator and his/her ill-fated future. Instead, time and attention needs to be directed toward the victim as a plan is developed for survival.
4.Thou shall not tell the victim that they helped to cause the problem. That is “perpetrator mentality” (Read “The Types of Domestic Abuse”). Nothing the victim has said and/or done provides justification for his/her suffering.
5.Thou shall encourage the domestic violence victim with phrases such as “You are an overcomer” and “You have our support”. This is a crucial time and the victim will not want to feel alone in the transition.
6.Thou shall listen to the victim with an objective mind.
7.Thou shall locate a secure method of transportation and place of abode, to secure the victim and any other family members from the perpetrator. Do not provide the address and telephone numbers to others, especially during the first months of the
by Delishia Mitchem
Domestic Violence is an issue for people of all walks of life. Regardless of social class, gender, economic background or ethnic group, domestic violence is prevalent. Current studies show that one out of every four women is a victim of domestic violence, and there are rising numbers in the male population. This takes the form of emotional, verbal and physical abuse.
As a domestic violence survivor, I am compelled to share the following commandments for interaction with domestic violence victims and survivors. This is not simply crisis counseling, but it is specialized with a systematic approach.
When interacting with the victim of domestic violence, it is important to govern yourself by the following commandments:
1.Thou shall not make the …show more content…
During the decision-making process, the victim needs both the freedom to make choices and the support of a listening ear.
3.Thou shall not waste time talking about the perpetrator and his/her ill-fated future. Instead, time and attention needs to be directed toward the victim as a plan is developed for survival.
4.Thou shall not tell the victim that they helped to cause the problem. That is “perpetrator mentality” (Read “The Types of Domestic Abuse”). Nothing the victim has said and/or done provides justification for his/her suffering.
5.Thou shall encourage the domestic violence victim with phrases such as “You are an overcomer” and “You have our support”. This is a crucial time and the victim will not want to feel alone in the transition.
6.Thou shall listen to the victim with an objective mind.
7.Thou shall locate a secure method of transportation and place of abode, to secure the victim and any other family members from the perpetrator. Do not provide the address and telephone numbers to others, especially during the first months of the