NCJ Number
203873
Date Published
2003
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video connects domestic violence with child abuse and features the stories of two women survivors of domestic violence.
Abstract
Along with the two women who share their stories of domestic violence, two experts are introduced: Linda Spears, Director of Child Protection for the Child Welfare League and Lt. Mark Wynn, Nashville Metropolitan Police Department, Domestic Violence Division. Spears and Wynn discuss the problem with approaching domestic violence and child abuse as if they are two completely separate issues. This bifurcated approach to helping women and children under the current, separate systems serves to perpetuate the problem. Many women may not seek help for fear their children will be removed from them. Furthermore, women who do seek help are often made to feel as if the violence is their fault or that they are responsible for the situation because they have not left the violent home. Spears and Wynn explain that leaving the violent relationship requires life changes on all levels, not just a change of residence. The process of leaving, then, can be overwhelming for women and children who have suffered multiple injuries, including injuries to their self-esteem. To make matters worse, cultural and ethnic differences may further isolate women who do not know how to seek help or are not understood by those they turn to for help. Wynn and Spears contend that to successfully help women and children survive a violent relationship, a clear and unified message must be sent to victims that help is available and that children will not be removed from their mother’s care. By approaching domestic violence and child abuse as one problem, women and children who are victims will be better able to receive the help they need.