What are the benefits of using a community-based approach to address domestic violence?

Youre able to intervene earlier, shape the societal gender norms, and harness community resources for prevention of domestic violence

Mobilizing communities to prevent domestic violence involves engaging communities in supporting, developing, and implementing prevention strategies that target change in individuals, as well as in the community and society. Potential strategies include educating the community, building support among key stakeholders for prevention efforts, developing programs that strengthen social networks, organizing community groups to challenge social norms that contribute to the use of violence, and advocating for community accountability. Community mobilizing strategies hold the potential for transforming those social norms and structures that are the root causes of domestic violence. The cultivation of grassroots community leaders.

Having worked in the correctional field with adolescent offenders, and having worked with children and families for many years, I have always believed a systemic, multidisciplinary and public health approach to violence is the most effective. Namely, engage community leaders and resources in a collaborative effort to support prevention and intervention strategies that are developed to both inform and support their community members. Mental health professionals, law enforcement, medical professionals and community organizations are key stakeholders to create an inclusive multidisciplinary team approach.

At ISF, we've understood that domestic violence & abuse is a multi-layered, deep rooted issue. Communities can be incredibly diverse, yet have some common threads across them such as marriage being a prized goal for both genders. The notion that remaining unmarried is seen as a failure, regardless of professional success, reinforces this patriarchal bias, particularly against women. Women frequently marry, have children, and are eventually forced to quit their careers, becoming financially dependent on their spouses. A community-based awareness approach, reshapes mindsets to prioritise a fulfilling career & marriage as a choice, rather than an obligation, also emphasising the importance of shared caregiving for a better & fairer society.

Domestic violence is one of the social problems in many societies because it affects significant number of people. Therefore community based approach is beneficial because it is helping in engaging people in order to gain collective approach. We know it is historical evident that community policing is part and parcel of safeguarding the norms and values of people living together. It allows room for people who are less engaged in human interaction to feel confident and speak their minds in order to get attention and possible solution to their future problem.

In my experience working on domestic violence against adolescent girls and young women in socially conservative communities in Africa, I've witnessed the transformative power of a community-based approach. These communities often have deeply ingrained cultural norms and beliefs that can perpetuate domestic violence. By adopting a community-based approach, we can engage with local leaders, elders, and community members to navigate these sensitivities effectively.

It’s also a community issue. We know that communities with poverty, violence and drugs to name a few only adds to problem. At the other end of the spectrum, people with money…victims are more hidden and often forgotten.

Using a community-based approach to tackle domestic violence is essential because this issue isn't just a personal matter; it's deeply connected to societal beliefs and practices. Tackling domestic violence with a community approach is vital. It's not just personal; it's tied to societal beliefs. By involving everyone, we can better understand its complexities, change harmful norms, tap into local resources, empower individuals as advocates, and create a supportive safety net for survivors. It's about changing both individual lives and community mindsets.

Raising awareness will support community action.For social workers protecting children it’s tricky. One (or two) parents will increase the risk to their children if challenged.Social workers have to be savvy to support the victim, mitigate risks. There is evidence Ambulance workers, school teachers, frontline police etc. know what to do. We support the victims, be ready when they are to separate. The change in culture will include the builders up the street, the coop checkout person, the bar person etc. knowing who to call. All changes would swing in a positive direction for reducing DV in homes, and every single social worker would find it supportive in their mission to make home safe for children.

I have worked with teenagers who have experienced domestic violence in their own relationships. At the time, they didn't know what was happening. They didn't know what signs to look for when it came to healthy or unhealthy relationships. Using a community-based approach would increase the education the community has on how to identify the beginnings of domestic violence or unhealthy relationships. It would help protect the most vulnerable, who are often targeted.

The community based approach is really great and has so many benefits and likewise challenges. For me, it's effectiveness is on the driver of the approach. She/he must be: 1. A strategic thinker; 2. Dynamic (have a toolkit of engagement tools); and 3. Agile (swiftly read situations, engage, decide and act accordingly). Otherwise the process can easily go wrong and get complicated especially because this issue is sensitive and requires culture shift (on attitudes, behaviors, norms, relations, traditions, ) on the society.

I've often found it helpful to emphasize a respectful approach that builds on existing positive aspects of the community, especially when working with socially conservative communities. In these contexts, community leaders often hold sway, and their involvement is pivotal. Initiating discussions with them and acknowledging the community's strengths and values is an essential first step. To create a shared vision, we can encourage community leaders to facilitate dialogues within the community, allowing them to lead the way. This approach not only maintains respect for local leadership but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.

Together, these steps drive community-led action against domestic violence. ? Educate: Raise awareness through workshops and events. ? Engage Leaders: Get community figures on board to influence change. ? Support Networks: Set up helplines, safe spaces, and groups for survivors. ? Collaborate: Partner with schools, businesses, and faith groups. ? Train: Equip members to support survivors; address roles of first responders. ? Involve Men: Promote healthy relationships, challenge toxic masculinity. ? Feedback: Allow community input for continuous improvement. ? Review: Regularly assess and adapt strategies. ? Celebrate: Share successes to motivate. ? Seek Aid: Use external resources and expertise.

-Get to Know the Community First, social workers and community members need to spend time understanding the community's needs, strengths, and resources related to domestic violence. This means talking to people, listening to their stories, and learning about the specific challenges and opportunities within the community. - Set Common Goals Once the community's needs are understood, it's important to work together to set common goals and objectives for addressing domestic violence. This involves creating a shared vision for what the community wants to achieve in terms of preventing and responding to domestic violence.

By engaging the community in discussions, we demystify the topic and promote open dialogue, reducing the stigma often associated with domestic violence. Moreover, it fosters a sense of belonging and support for survivors, combatting their isolation and empowering them to take active roles in finding solutions. Survivors are more likely to seek help when they feel that their community is a safe and supportive environment.

A community-based approach for domestic violence offers ? Holistic View: Considers specific cultural and social factors. ? Norm Shift: Changes societal attitudes that may overlook violence. ? Resource Use: Leverages local networks for support and awareness. ? Empowerment: Turns community members into active change agents. ? Sustainability: Ensures long-lasting impact with local buy-in. ? Collaboration: Engages diverse stakeholders for a unified response. ? Safety Net: Provides robust support for survivors. ? Prevention: Addresses root causes, reducing future violence. ? Tailored Solutions: Designs interventions specific to community needs. ? Wide Reach: Involves everyone, ensuring broader impact.

Varied Beliefs: Diverse cultural and societal norms may conflict with intervention goals. Resistance: Pushback from those benefiting from status quo or fearing change. Resource Limitations: Scarce local resources can hinder efforts. Coordination: Aligning multiple stakeholders is complex. Sustainability: Maintaining long-term community engagement is tough. Privacy Concerns: Balancing community involvement with survivor privacy. Training Needs: Equipping community members with adequate skills. Potential Bias: Local prejudices might affect interventions. Overburden: Relying too heavily on community without external aid. Measuring Impact: Tracking success in community settings can be ambiguous. It require strategic planning and flexibility !

The challenges I have noticed in the communities I work with is the lack of funding and resources. With the lack of funding it has made it hard for providers to work with the family which also brings the lack of resources. Most times the only help provided to families at minimal cost is if there is a dcs case in place. If no child are involved there is not much help for either person involved.

One significant challenge is the time and resources required. Building trust, communicating consistently, and engaging with the community and its partners over the long term demands a substantial commitment of time and resources from social workers and organizations involved in addressing domestic violence. Ethical and practical dilemmas also present challenges. Balancing the respect for the community's autonomy and cultural practices with the imperative to protect the rights and safety of domestic violence survivors can be complex. This can lead to difficult decisions regarding the best approach to take in addressing domestic violence within the context of the community's culture and traditions.

Gender-based violence is a sensitive issue in our society. Unfortunately, the fear of reporting such violence is very real, as it is often considered a "family secret," especially if it involves the breadwinner or other key family member. At least this is true in Eswatini. However, I believe that the most effective way to combat this problem is through awareness creation. By educating individuals about the negative impact of gender-based violence, we can influence the family and ultimately the community. Once the community is convinced, it can become a key driver of change and play an important role in curbing the scourge of gender-based violence. If we can win over the community, the nation will follow suit.