Domestic violence has been an issue under discussion for decades, with research conducted to identify suitable intervention programs. Intervention programs help stop domestic violence, thus preventing childhood abuse, saving relationships, and rehabilitating offenders. A Family Violence Intervention Program holds family offenders accountable for their actions and provides them with tools to help them change their characters (Hemingway & Sullivan, 2022). The programs have been shown to remove offenders from the midst of the family members until they are proven fit to be back in society, thus prioritizing victims’ safety. These programs’ advantages are addressing the problem’s source, which may include anger or mental health issues. Identification of the weaknesses portrayed by domestic violence programs promotes the provision of adequate strategies to mitigate the problem.
Domestic violence programs facilitate identifying the root source of the violent tendencies or what triggers such reactions, with suitable strategies getting identified to eliminate the re-occurrence (Hemingway & Sullivan, 2022). Through the programs, offenders learn healthy behaviors that help improve family relationships and learn skills essential to fixing problems that lead to domestic violence (Hemingway & Sullivan, 2022). Besides, they promote communication among family members by developing good communication tools. Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques help offenders change how they approach their actions and emotions towards those around them, thus minimizing domestic violence.
The intervention programs exhibit several weaknesses, including focusing only on significant towns and cities and forgetting about the rural areas. Many rural areas lack resources and facilities to help domestic violence victims, though more cases are reported in these places compared to urban ones (Seymour, Natalier & Wendt, 2021). The provision of 100 percent support is impeded due to inadequate funding to run the programs. Without a budget, primary services such as communication, transport, access to facilities, and effective outreach become impossible (Hemingway & Sullivan, 2022). Domestic violence programs offer one-time support to the victims without considering additional help the victims might need in the future. The lack of proper special kits to serve those with disabilities is a significant challenge.
The programs can be more effective by adopting several change strategies to mitigate weaknesses. The plans include recruiting volunteers from agencies serving the disabled to help serve those with disabilities, properly funding of the programs, making the programs accessible in rural areas, and providing additional support to the victims. Consideration should be made to people with disabilities, such as those who are hearing impaired (Hemingway & Sullivan, 2022). Within these programs, every individual should be able to get help without any difficulty. A source of funding is an essential factor for the success of any intervention program. The government and other organizations must join and develop effective ways to promote adequate funding (Seymour et al., 2021). Victims of domestic violence can be anywhere; hence the need to make the programs accessible to the interior parts of the country. Additional support will promote a follow-up with the victims, thus limiting any occurrence of substance abuse or depression.
Domestic violence is a serious issue that needs to be addressed effectively to limit the aftermath destruction it has on the victims. Intervention programs play a significant role in dealing with domestic violence issues. They help identify the root causes of the violence and offer support to the victims. Through these programs, healthy behaviors are taught and communication is enhanced within the families. Weaknesses such as inadequate funding, limited staff dealing with special cases, focus on towns and limited support impede the success rate of the programs. Interventions such as providing adequate funding, considering the victims with special needs, promoting the programs in rural areas, and providing additional support to the victims help mitigate the issue.
References
Hemingway, A., & Sullivan, K. (2022). Reducing the incidence of domestic violence: An observational study of an equine‐assisted intervention. Family Process, 61(2), 549-570.
Seymour, K., Natalier, K., & Wendt, S. (2021). Changed men. Men talking about violence and change in domestic and family violence perpetrator intervention programs. Men and Masculinities, 24(5), 884-901.