NCJ Number
190860
Journal
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Volume: 17 Issue: 1-2 Dated: Spring-Summer 2001 Pages: 8-12
Date Published
2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the organizational power and control tactics that arise within agencies serving clients experiencing family violence.
Abstract
The article presents a model describing the cycle of powerlessness. It proposes as an alternative to the cycle the culture of safety, defined as accountability without blame. The cycle of powerlessness is aligned with power and control tactics and illustrates how professionals in the field of family violence inadvertently mirror the dynamics within violent families. As part of the discussion of the cycle of powerlessness, the article investigates the roles of victim, victimizer, martyr, and rescuer. Adoption of the culture of safety, that is accountability without blame, creates possibilities for improved communication between funding grantors and grantees, improved coordination of services within communities, and an increase in staff productivity and morale. The article concludes that the end of the culture of victimhood was an outcome of eliminating blame tactics from professional interactions. The patriarchal cycle of powerlessness continues as long as professionals in the field of family violence participate in it. Professionals must refuse to use power and control tactics as a force for change. Figure, references, notes