The Serious Social Issue Of Domestic Violence Social Work Essay

The Serious Social Issue Of Domestic Violence Social Work Essay Domestic violence is a serious social issue that affects many women and children and is reinforced by the power imbalances that are inbuilt into a patriarchal society. Womens personal experiences of domestic violence are connected to the broader social and political forces that oppress and marginalise many groups in society, particularly women and children. Domestic Violence is defined as an attempt to establish power, control and fear in a relationship through the use of violence and other forms of abuse. The offender exerts control by using physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, economic oppression, isolation, threats, intimidation, and maltreatment of the children. Relationships involving domestic and family violence may differ in terms of the severity of abuse, but power and control are the primary goals of all offenders (Santa Clara County Social Service Agency). The Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse provides a collection of examples of Australian domestic violence related programs, services or responses which reflect elements of good practice. Good practice is reflected in services which define domestic violence in a way that addresses the processes of abuse, minimises victim-blaming and enables effective support and prevention (Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007). The Ipswich Womens Centre Against Domestic Violence (IWCADV) is a feminist community based organisation committed to working towards the elimination of domestic and family violence throughout the community. The primary focus of IWCADV is to provide support to women and children survivors of domestic and family violence. IWCADV respects the rights of women to make informed decisions about their lives and this is balanced with a concern for the safety of women, children and young people. There is also a recognition that in order for women to be empowered, decision are not made on behalf of women, rather there is a recognition of each persons responsibility for the own actions and the need to be accountable for these actions and their consequences. This empowerment approach provides an environment in which each woman individual is responsible for her actions by supporting her right to make choices about herself and how she lives her life. In the past, domestic violence service providers and the community have responded to domestic violence by coaching victims on how to leave and how they should respond to the abusive relationship (Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2000, p9). More recently, best practice reflects that what survivors need most is support, encouragement and the resources to achieve their goals, not someone telling them what to do much like their abusers (Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2000, p9). IWCADV approach to service delivery acknowledges that abuse is used to gain and maintain power and control and that domestic violence is a gender issue. IWCADV is a feminist based community service, and takes a strengths-based empowerment approach to the issue of supporting women who have experien ced domestic violence. Another factor identified by the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Good Practice database is a skilled, supported and supervised workforce. During my placement experience at IWCADV I observed that this organisation demonstrated good practice in this area by providing a very supportive workplace and supervision, including clinical supervision. A further element of good practice is monitoring and meaningful evaluation. This means asking the question Does the program work? Evaluation allows organisations to work out whether the program is doing what it was set up to do. Effective evaluation enables organisations to demonstrate results or outcomes which reflect program aims or goals. Evaluation is also used to troubleshoot and assist in ongoing program or service improvement (Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007). IWCADV has regular team meetings to discuss and evaluate their programs and services and are committed to developing and improving their work to achieve the best possible outcomes. Until recently, social policy had been characterised by a concentration on providing sympathetic and victim centred care after the assault reducing further harm- or tertiary levels of intervention. Examples of tertiary interventions include (Domestic) Violence Orders, law reform, the provision of refuges, health, accommodation and domestic violence services, the refinement of policy and procedures for the care of victims of sexual and domestic violence post-assault. Whilst these interventions are important, especially in showing care for victims and reducing further harm, they do not prevent violence against women, as intervention occurs after the violence has occurred (Carrington and Phillips, 2006). Social policies have now started looking at ways of intervening in order to prevent violence against women occurring. A literature review undertaken by the Commonwealth Governments Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) identified that the way forward to prevent violence against women includes working with young people to break the intergenerational cycle of violence; working with victims and perpetrators to break the cycle of violence; and working with communities to educate against violence (Carrington and Phillips, 2006) Service providers are now moving from purely delivering support and crisis services to women and children, and are addressing the root cause of the problem (Mulroney, 2003). There is now an increasing number of programs built on the idea of an integrated response and inter-agency collaboration (Healey, Frere, Ross Humphrey, 2009). Mulroney (2003) has defined integrated service provision as a coordinated, appropriate, consistent responses aimed at enhancing victim safety, reducing secondary victimization and holding abusers accountable for their violence (Mulroney, 2003). Some best practice examples of integrated or collaborative domestic violence service that consider the social, cultural and geographic diversity and size of their locale include The Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) from Duluth USA, the Hamilton Abuse Intervention Project (HAIP) from New Zealand, the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC), from Cardiff, Wales and from Australia, the Interagency Family Violence Intervention Program (Healey, Frere, Ross Humphrey, 2009). One of the best-known integrated response models is The Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, known commonly as the Duluth Model. This model derives from the womens movement and has developed a powerful ethos based on a feminist understanding of control and power in relationships between men and women, which informs all of its work. It coordinates male abusers programs and womens projects in the community and has also developed awareness-raising, training and community development initiatives, all of which are supported by, and work in tandem with, the criminal justice services (Mulroney, 2003, p.3). As well as the ACT Family Violence Intervention Program, another Australian example of a best practice model is the Gold Coast Integrated Response. Some of the key features of these programs include: Coordinated responses within a manageable geographic region. Lead agency to coordinate and monitor. Strategies including fax back projects to encourage effective referrals from Police to support services for women and children and enhanced communication and collaboration between agencies. Services including group work with each client group: women, children and young people, and the abusive partner. (Mulroney, 2003, p7). An important aspect of a coordinated community response to domestic violence is about primary prevention transforming community beliefs and norms about violence against women (Hart, 1995) and a common theme throughout the research is that there is a need for a more long-term integrated response to domestic violence in Australia, which aims to prevent domestic violence in the first place with a view to reducing existing levels of violence. Whilst the IWCADV does not have any of its programs or services listed on the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse Good Practice database, many of the services programs are modelled on these examples of best practice. The IWCADV is also currently attempting to develop and implement a Co-ordinated Community Response to domestic violence modelled on the Gold Coast Integrated Response. The IWCADV currently presents a training session to local police officers during their first year. The IWCADV is also active in presenting an education program that operates in local high schools. This is an effective program for the prevention of future violence and is based on the belief the by exposing children and young people to non-violent alternatives, providing them with conflict resolution and anger management skills alongside a respect for others and tolerance of diversity, violent behaviour in adults will be prevented (Carrington and Phillips, 2006).

Anglo-Saxon Values Demonstrated by Beowulf Essay

In Seamus Heaney’s translation of the epic Beowulf, the protagonist, Beowulf, exemplifies the values of an Anglo-Saxon warrior and king. Beowulf is a Geatish warrior who uses his super-human strength to defend the Danes, a neighboring kingdom, from a terrible monster named Grendel. Beowulf then goes on to kill Grendel’s mother and become the king of the Geats. During his reign, Beowulf runs a successful kingdom and sacrifices his life to save his kingdom from a dragon. Beowulf demonstrates the Anglo-Saxon values of physical strength, a thirst for revenge, and courage, through the manner in which he fights various battles and his motives for fighting them. Beowulf’s extraordinary physical strength is displayed during his battle with Grendel, a powerful monster who has fought and killed many Danish warriors without difficulty. When Grendel tries to sneak up on Beowulf, Grendel discovers â€Å"himself in a handgrip harder than anything he had ever encountered in any man on the face of the earth† (Beowulf lines 749-752). Physical strength is greatly valued by the Anglo-Saxon culture, and Beowulf is stronger than anything Grendel has ever faced before. Because of his impressive strength, both the Danes and Geats are willing to follow Beowulf into battle and can count on him to lead and protect them. It is evident from Grendel’s struggle that Beowulf surpasses the physical strength of the normal human, making him a model Anglo-Saxon warrior. Along with his immense physical strength, Beowulf is willing to seek revenge to achieve justice. BEOWULF’S BATTLE WITH GRENDEL’S MOTHER IS DRIVEN BY REVENGE. GRENDEL’S MOTHER SNATCHES AND KILLS A DANE NAMED AESCHERE, WHICH DEEPLY AFFECTS KING HYGELAC, WHOM BEOWULF IS VERY CLOSE TO. BEOWULF TAKES IT UPON HIMSELF TO AVENGE THE DEATH OF AESCHERE FOR KING HYGELAC AND INSTIGATE A BATTLE WITH GRENDEL’S  MOTHER IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE. BEOWULF’S BELIEF THAT â€Å"IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO AVENGE DEAR ONES THAN TO INDULGE IN MOURNING† REPRESENTS THE BELIEFS OF MANY ANGLO-SAXON WARRIORS. (BEOWULF LINES 1384-1385). IN ANGLO-SAXON CULTURE, GRIEVING OVER ONE’S LOSSES IS DISCOURAGED. IF AN ANGLO-SAXON WARRIOR IS WRONGED, THEY ARE OBLIGATED TO SEEK VENGEANCE AND BE WILLING TO INSTIGATE BATTLES IN ORDER TO BE A SUCCESSFUL AND RESPECTED WARRIOR OR KING. BEOWULF LIVES UP TO THE SOCIAL NORMS OF ANGLO-SAXON SOCIETY AND MANAGES TO MAINTAIN HIS HEROIC REPUTATION BY ATTEMPTING TO KILL GRENDEL’S MOTHER AS AN ACT OF REVENGE. A BATTLE FOUGHT IN THE N AME OF REVENGE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SHOWCASE A HERO’S TALENT AND DRIVE THEM TO FAME, BUT THAT THIRST FOR REVENGE IS AN EMPTY THREAT WITHOUT COURAGE TO BACK IT UP. Beowulf reveals tremendous courage in each of his battles, but exceptional fearlessness is displayed in his fight against a dragon to defend the people of his kingdom. Beowulf is very old at the time of this battle, so he knows the chances of him being able to defeat the dragon and survive are slim. Despite the unlikelihood of his victory, Beowulf still chooses to fight, and tells his men,†this fight is not yours, nor is it up to any man except me, to measure his strength against the monster or to prove his worth. I shall win the gold by my courage† (Beowulf lines 2532-2536). As king, Beowulf abides to the norms of Anglo-saxon culture and feels that he must be the one to lead his men to battle no matter what the cost. All of Beowulf’s warriors, except Wiglaf, abandon him when he needs them most during the battle, out of fear for their lives. Beowulf and Wiglaf are the only ones with the courage to continue fighting the dragon even when the odds are working against them, proving that they alone have the values of a true Anglo-saxon warrior. Throughout Beowulf’s life he earns his place as a devoted and successful Anglo-Saxon warrior because he demonstrates their values not once, but three times. In each of his battles, Beowulf†s actions portray the key Anglo-Saxon values of immense physical strength, the right to seek revenge, and courage. By observing the manner in which Beowulf fights his battles, one can conclude that in order to be a respected Anglo-Saxon leader and warrior one must possess all of these qualities. Leaders today exemplify traits the  people of society value, which allow the leaders to gain the trust and admiration of others, just as Beowulf did. This is evident in the protagonists we choose for our literature and the people we choose to lead us. For example, selflessness is highly valued in today’s society, and a major literary hero, Superman, shows this characteristic by fighting evil to save others without concern for himself. Beowulf and leaders today are able to achieve respe ct and power because they embody the traits admired by the people of their time.

Hamlet’s Tainted Mind Essay

In act two, Hamlet presents a self loathing soliloquy, reflecting upon his hesitation in taking revenge upon King Claudius. Shamed and inspired by the courageous tone of a play actor’s speech, Hamlet vows to catch the King’s guilt though a play of his own. However, while his plan may be viable, Hamlet’s reasoning suggests a tainted mind. The speech immediately focuses on Hamlet’s praise for the actor and disdain for his own lack of action. He displays a deep envy for the character’s passion, while disparaging himself for lacking the same fervor. â€Å"Had he the motive and the cue for passion that I have? He would drown the stage in tears.† In reaction to his envy, Hamlet devises a vengeful plan. However, while indeed witty, attempting to sight someone’s conscious hardly qualifies as the act of passion and significance that Hamlet so yearned for earlier in his soliloquy. This contradiction insinuates Hamlet’s inability to register emotion on a physical scale. While his mind can generate phrases and ideas of articulacy and beauty, it’s too tainted and preoccupied that it can not transfer the eloquent words he recites into reality. Thus, time and time again he will completely ignore the task at hand. Hamlet’s plot also suggests a weakness in his ability to understand human disposition. He plans on catching a grimace of evil or worry upon Claudius, believing that the sight of his own actions will prompt the King’s emotions. â€Å"I’ll observe his looks, I’ll tent him to the quick.† So Hamlet’s important scheme hinges on a man publicly revealing his inner sentiment. While of course, such a notion is unreliable and impetuous, Hamlet trusts its validity. â€Å"The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the King.† A man that would commit such a terrible crime, as that accused of Claudius, would hardly be affected, at least externally, by Hamlet’s plan. Hamlet obviously lacks a full understanding of the complexity of man. He evolved earlier in act one, when he so forcibly learned and noted that â€Å"There’s never a villain dwelling in Denmark but he’s an arrant knave.† Evidently, his mental evolution lacks completion, as true human nature is virtually unbeknownst to Hamlet. These imperfections, while proving a tainted mind, also serve to accentuate Hamlet’s character. Not often can a man speak his ideas so eloquently, yet express them with little resemblance, and understand them with even less accuracy. Perhaps the contradiction suggests a direct correlation between Hamlet’s secluded upbringing and schooling and his lack of understanding of human nature?

Where Did the Name Sanders Originate

Whether your last name is Sanders, Sanderson, or some other variant, the meaning of the name is quite interesting. Depending on your ancestry, it may come from Greek—surprisingly related to Alexander—or German. Lets explore the Sanders surname, its history, and famous people named Sanders, and guide you to some helpful genealogy resources. Where Does Sanders Come From? Sanders is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Sander. Patronymic means  that at some point in history, men by the name of Sander gave their name to their son, creating the name Sanders and indicating possession. Its easier to see this in the patronymic variation Sanderson, which means son of Sander. Sander is a medieval form of Alexander. Alexander comes from the Greek name Alexandros, meaning defender of men. This, in turn, comes from the Greek alexein, meaning  to defend, help and aner, or man. Sander or Sanders in Germany may also be a topographic name for someone who lived on sandy soil, from sand and -er, a suffix denoting an inhabitant. Sanders is the 87th most popular surname in the United States. Its full origins are  English, Scottish, and  German. Alternative spellings are  Sanderson, Sandersen, and Sander. Famous People Named Sanders If we take a look at the Sanders name alone, we can find many famous people. Here are a few of the more notable names and youre sure to recognize a number of them. Barry Sanders - U.S. football playerBernie Sanders - U.S.  politicianColonel Harland Sanders - Founder of Kentucky Fried ChickenDeion Sanders - U.S.  football playerGeorge Sanders - British actorLarry Sanders - U.S.  comedianMarlene Sanders - TV news anchor Genealogy Resources for the Surname Sanders The Sanders name is spread throughout the world, with many families passing it from one generation to the next. If youre interested in researching Sanders ancestry, you can start with these resources. Is There a Sanders Family Crest?  The question of family crests and coats of arms is common, but there is no true Sanders family emblem. Crests are granted to individuals, not the overall family, then passed down the lineage of male descendants. For this reason, one Sanders family could have a different crest than another Sanders family.Sanders/Saunders/Sanderson/Saunderson Y-DNA Project—This project aims to connect individuals with the Sanders or Saunders surname interested in exploring their family history. It promotes the use of genetic testing to assist traditional genealogical research.FamilySearch: Sanders Genealogy—Explore over 7.2  million  results from digitized  historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Sanders  surname and variations. This free website is hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Sanders Surname Mailing List—This free mailing list is for researchers of the Sanders  surname and its var iations. The list offers subscription details and searchable archives of past messages.GeneaNet: Sanders  Records—GeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Sanders  surname. Most of its records concentrate on families from France and other European countries.The Sanders  Genealogy and Family Tree Page—Browse genealogy and historical records for individuals with the Sanders surname from the website of Genealogy Today.