A Practical Approach to Group Work with Women with Intellectual Disabilities Impacted by Domestic Violence
Tracks
Virtual Presentations
| Wednesday, December 1, 2021 |
| 2:26 PM - 2:46 PM |
Overview
Ms Victoria Tucker & Hannah Sanson, Wwild Svp Assn Inc.
Speaker
Ms Victoria Tucker
Trauma Counsellor
Wwild Svp Assn Inc.
A Practical Approach to Group Work with Women with Intellectual Disabilities Impacted by Domestic Violence
Abstract
Domestic and Family Violence Group-work with Women with Intellectual Disabilities: Best Practice Approaches
Background:
When compared to women without disability, women with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at greater risk of experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV). They experience violence at higher rates, in more severe forms, and for lengthier periods of time. They are also less likely to report incidents of violence and have fewer options for accessing support. In recognising this disparity and barriers for women with ID accessing mainstream support services, WWILD developed a therapeutic and educational group work model to respond to and prevent the prevalence of DFV amongst this community.
Method:
WWILD used an action research process to develop and evolve a nine week domestic and family violence group program. A literary review was done to establish a thorough understanding of community needs and establish best-practice processes. Consultation was completed with two well-established local support groups and six women with ID who had been impacted by DFV.
Results:
WWILD has successfully run the therapeutic and educational program twice and is running a third program in 2021. A pre-group interview process was developed to assess the needs of each participant so activities fit the capacities of the group. Post-group interviews assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the program and provide opportunities for further consultation.
Implications:
Likely this model will continue to evolve, and be altered depending on the individual group needs and capacities. WWILD needs to conduct further research to measure the long-term impact on community, but feedback from women has been overwhelmingly positive and shown increased capacity to recognise and respond to experiences of DFV.
Background:
When compared to women without disability, women with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at greater risk of experiencing domestic and family violence (DFV). They experience violence at higher rates, in more severe forms, and for lengthier periods of time. They are also less likely to report incidents of violence and have fewer options for accessing support. In recognising this disparity and barriers for women with ID accessing mainstream support services, WWILD developed a therapeutic and educational group work model to respond to and prevent the prevalence of DFV amongst this community.
Method:
WWILD used an action research process to develop and evolve a nine week domestic and family violence group program. A literary review was done to establish a thorough understanding of community needs and establish best-practice processes. Consultation was completed with two well-established local support groups and six women with ID who had been impacted by DFV.
Results:
WWILD has successfully run the therapeutic and educational program twice and is running a third program in 2021. A pre-group interview process was developed to assess the needs of each participant so activities fit the capacities of the group. Post-group interviews assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the program and provide opportunities for further consultation.
Implications:
Likely this model will continue to evolve, and be altered depending on the individual group needs and capacities. WWILD needs to conduct further research to measure the long-term impact on community, but feedback from women has been overwhelmingly positive and shown increased capacity to recognise and respond to experiences of DFV.
Biography
Victoria Tucker has worked for several years in the area of intellectual disability in the community sector, and in a number of roles at WWILD since 2010. For the last 3 years Victoria has worked as a Trauma Counsellor and Group worker. Hannah Sanson has worked in varied roles in hospital and community in particular with young people and people with intellectual and learning disabilities.
