NCJ Number
152262
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Intended for elementary school students, this two-part video guides children into an understanding of the dynamics of familial conflict and violence, as well as how children can constructively respond to it.
Abstract
Part I is for viewing by the children. It features a puppet show entitled "No Punching Judy," in which a family composed of Judy, age 8; Junior, age 12; Mom; Dad; and Grandma is portrayed as traditionally patriarchal. Dad dominates the household through intimidation and violence, demanding that everyone else, particularly Mom, operate the household by his dictates. Grandma affirms the sex-role stereotypes, and junior is beginning to show Dad's patterns by berating and disobeying Mom while trying to dominate Judy through verbal intimidation and shoves. Change occurs in the children through educational programs at school. Judy and Junior work through their conflicts by changing gender stereotypes and resolving their conflicts through compromise. The message is that children do not have to emulate nor be harmed by parental behaviors if they handle the situation properly. The assumption of the presentation is that parents and adults will not change, but children can assume responsibility for their own behavioral development. Part I concludes as the class teacher discusses the puppet show with the children. Part II is a training video for teachers. It discusses the purpose of part I, introduces the characters in the puppet show, and suggests ways to make the classroom a safe environment for children to share their feelings and problems. A dramatization shows how teachers should handle a one-to-one student disclosure of domestic violence.