5221.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 3:30 PM

Abstract #10050

Massachusetts Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Project: A statewide model to prevent family violence in rural communities

Amy Waldman, LICSW and Gloria DiFulvio, MPH, MEd. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 23 Service Center, Northampton, MA 01060, (413) 586-7525 x1142, amy.waldman@state.ma.us

In November of 1996, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health was awarded federal funding through the US Department of Justice to establish the Massachusetts Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Project (MRDVCVP). The project's primary purpose has been to address the unmet needs of battered women and their children in three under-served, rural western Massachusetts counties. These areas include 57 isolated communities in Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire counties, chosen in part due to their significantly higher rates of domestic violence and lack of access to needed services. This project represents the first coordinated initiative to combat rural family violence in Massachusetts. The project utilizes a collaborative approach among the designated battered women's service providers and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This session will present the model used to address the unique challenges facing rural communities. Presenters will discuss specific prevention and intervention strategies including: domestic violence and child witness training and technical assistance with police departments, clergy, and schools; community organizing and leadership development; media campaigns; in-home counseling and advocacy with rural battered women and children; support groups for survivors; and consultation with community agencies. The successes and challenges experienced over the last three years of the project and future directions will also be discussed. A special emphasis will be placed on issues of capacity building and sustainability of project services.

Learning Objectives:

  • Participants in this session will receive information on a statewide rural domestic violence initiative in Massachusetts. This information will include prevention and intervention strategies used, impact on the communities served, and successes, challenges, and future directions of the project. As a result of this presentation, participants will be able to recognize the dynamics of rural domestic violence, articulate specific strategies to respond effectively, and apply this model in other rural jurisdictions. At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
    1. List at least five approaches that may be used in combatting rural domestic violence.
    2. Name at least five actions steps that individuals and or community groups can take to end domestic violence in rural communities.
    3. Identify at least three key community resources needed to effectively implement a rural domestic violence model.
    4. Develop a plan to address rural domestic violence in their own community.

      5. Keywords: Domestic Violence, Rural Health

      Presenting author's disclosure statement:
      Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health was awarded federal funding through the US Department of Justice to establish the Massachusetts Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Project
      I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
      Relationship: Amy Waldman is hired by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as the Program Director for the Massachusetts Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Project, funded by the US Department of Justice.

      The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA