Online Program

283165
Stop the madness: Family violence is more than a family problem


Monday, November 4, 2013 : 1:30 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.

Olivia Thomas, BS, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA
Win Chein, BDS, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA
Sameerah Taylor, BS, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA
Elizabeth Holzhauser, CHES, DrPH, Department of Education and Promotion, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Loma Linda, CA
Jerusha U. Weaver, BA, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Patti Herring, PhD, RN, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
In the U.S. 35.6% of women and 28.5% of men have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime. Family violence is not limited to violence between intimate partners (IPV), but rather can include all members of the family e.g., children and elders. Addressing IPV is central to combating family violence in that there are protective factors for the entire family. In this respect we decided to think global and act local in addressing this problem. To best inform program development, graduate students conducted a targeted needs and asset assessment (NA+A) with young adults, staff, and administrators at the PAL Center, in Muscoy, CA. Data were collected through observations, windshield surveys, literature reviews, six theory-based semi-structured key informant interviews, and two confirmatory focus groups. Data were coded, themed and analyzed using Grounded Theory methods. Emerging themes revealed that respondents felt that family violence is too sensitive for outside interference, and that intervening in a family violence situation is not the role of anyone outside the family. They suggested that there is a direct relationship between poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, idleness, and family violence, and the best ways to intervene is to empower family members in ways that would channel negative energy into more positive energies. They suggested program efforts should center on building self-esteem and social skills, conflict resolution, building positive relationships with law enforcement—all needed in strengthening the family structure. We developed, implemented, and evaluated a pilot program using process and impact evaluation for program improvement and sustainability.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Describe three protective factors needed in strengthening the family unit in combating intimate partner violence. Identify three strategies needed in family violence awareness program that would help family members to channel negative energies into more positive energies. Discuss and apply lessons learned from this program to their own perspective communities

Keyword(s): Family Violence, Vulnerable Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a public health graduate student and my primary area of study is health education in underserved and disadvantaged communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.