Question

• In 100 words, describe the differences between responding to clients in a crisis situation and those requiring long term support by a family violence specific service?

Answer 1

Family violence can be described as using brutal force to dominate or hurt a member of the family. The violence can also be of emotional, sexual or financial nature. The family violence perpetrated might grievously harm the victim either mentally or physically. The victims can be women, children or elderly persons of the family. A victim of family violence might need urgent help if he/she is in a crisis and clueless about how to handle the situation.  A family violence specific service provides immediate support to the victim who is in crisis by giving information about how to get away from the crisis and reach a safe place. The service provides phone numbers which the victims can contact and get immediate help from the police and also arranges an emergency accommodation, where the victim can be safe.  

The long-term victims of family violence who choose to stay in the family are given assistance by the family violence specific service by providing an array of programs like; the violence prevention programs, support and recovery programs, counselling and providing long-term safe accommodation, elderly protection program, child protection program and legal services. Support and guidance provided by these services help the victim to resist the violence. The perpetrators of family violence are also counselled and if they do not mend their ways, police and legal assistance are sought.