Week 14: What can I do?!

Since we are wrapping up this semester and I'm turning this blog in once more for a grade, we are all wondering:

WHAT CAN I DO?!

From the discussions in class I can say with confidence that the best thing we can do is educate.

Educating people on domestic violence, the signs, the types, inequalities and injustices of it all, can do so much good. Many people haven't heard about what I've covered in this blog nor what I've learned in class. Not everyone knows the signs of abuse, especially emotional abuse, or what to do about it. Many people don't know their options, where to go, how to seek help. Many people don't know how to give help, and even less do. Educating people, can change SO MUCH of this!!

So how do we educate?

On a large level we can try and get all schools to cover the broad topic of domestic violence. It fits well in social sciences, health, and sexual education. It would be so easy to implement a section about DV in schools across the nation. However, it is getting people to start it is the hard part. 

We can also do community awareness. We can create groups, posters, and meetings, that talk about DV and list resources that are available. We can even try and create resources in places that don't have any. 

Of course, this is all very optimistic. While this sounds easy, it is not. DV is a social problem, and we all need to pitch in to solve it. One person trying to create a DV resource, or change a school policy, or so on will be extremely hard without the help of others with the same passion for this cause. 

So how do we get people passionate? - By talking. 

I think talking and having REAL conversations about DV and the issues surrounding DV are so very important. We don't have to talk to just victims, or abusers, but even friends, family and acquaintances. When the topic is brought up, or someone is using language that backs up DV beliefs or Rape Culture, speak up! It sounds scary, and it can very well be sometime, but what good you'll be doing! How great will you feel afterwards? Really good!!

As I said before, DV is a social problem. Our society wants us to think that it's a personal problem. But It's not. Our culture feeds us a message that DV is normal. It is not. It will take us all to stop this. You might think that one voice isn't enough. And honestly, it's not a lot. But if we talk and have conversations consistently, we begin to change the minds of those around us. And if we get the people around us to be passionate they will get even more people passionate. The more we talk the more we are heard, and the more we are heard the more join our cause and the closer we will be to finding a solution to this heinous problem. 

So talk!! Keep having conversations!! Be part of the 2.5% of people who will make others aware of how their language and actions are used to perpetuate DV and rape culture. Be the 2.5% of people who will go out of their way to help someone and to actively give knowledge and spread it. 

And when you're feeling down and feeling like talking isn't working just remember that social change doesn't happen overnight. It takes months, years, decades and centuries to see change. We might not see change in our lifetime, but our future generations will. Leave your signature in history.

To sum up what I have said above I want to share this quote gets me by almost EVERYDAY. I have it posted on the left side bar, but incase you never seen it. It's by Gandhi. He said:

"Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it" 

So please. Keep talking, keep spreading the information you've learned here. It might seem insignificant, but in the long-run, it is SO worth it.

Thanks for keeping up with this and giving me our feedback! If you all find more DV issues you want me to research let me know! I want to write plenty more on this topic!!

Until the next one, remember:

-Alex

(P.S. my professor in my Soc of Race and Ethnicity class told us that 2.5% of the population consist of those that speak out. That's where I got that number for those of you who are wondering :) )

RESOURCES:




For those of you in the Moscow/Pullman area:
If you, or someone you know, is dealing with any issue, including IPV or DV you can contact Alternatives to Violence on the Palouse. Their numbers and other resources are posted below. 
For those of you who need help nationally you can call the national DV hotline: (1 800 799 SAFE (7233) )

ATVP

Police and Sheriff's Offices, Latah and Whitman Counties Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse            24 hr. Hotline and Crisis Intervention           Confidential, safe, free Shelter           Legal Advocacy           Support Groups           Information and Referral Domestic Violence Hotline (Idaho), 24 hrs.  Domestic Violence Hotline (Washington), 24 hrs.  Hospitals & Medical Centers      Gritman Medical Center, Idaho      Pullman Regional Hospital, Washington      Whitman Hospital (Colfax), Washington Jail, Latah County, Idaho  Jail, Whitman County, Washington  Therapy/Counseling        Latah County Mental Health        Palouse River Counseling      UI Counseling Center        WSU Counseling Center  Information and Referrals        UI Women's Center        UI Violence Prevention Programs         WSU Women's Resource Center

911 (208) 883-HELP or   (509) 332-HELP   COLLECT CRISIS CALLS ACCEPTED 1 (800) 669-3176  1 (800) 562-6025 (208) 882-4511 (509) 332-2541 (509) 397-3435 (208) 882-2216, ask for Jail  (509) 397-6266, ask for Jail  (208) 882-0562   (509) 334-1133   (208) 885-6716   (509) 335-4511  (208) 885-6616   (509) 335-6849   (208) 885-6716    (509) 335-4511    (208) 885-6616    (208) 885-2956   (509) 335-6849

Week 13: Idaho Law

So this week we covered the laws that Idaho has instituted for Domestic Violence...and it is lacking.
For those of us Idaho residents, we know that Idaho does not recognize emotional abuse. This is EXTREMELY problematic since, as we have learned in this blog and in this class, that not all abusers use physical abuse.

Another problematic piece of Idaho law is their definition of a "household member" as you can see below. The words are iffy, and there might be a loophole, but from what I gather they do not specifically give Idaho LGBTQ residents protection. On this same note, under Idaho law men "cannot be raped". There are no laws in Idaho to protect men who have been raped. It specifically states in 2010 Idaho law that there must be penile - anal or penile- vaginal contact between a male and a female. There is SO MUCH wrong with this! It specifically EXCLUDES a number of people!! We know that rape does not just happen between a man and a woman.

Sorry for that side tangent, but since we are talking about wacked out Idaho law that's what comes to mind.


Anyways, I'm posting below what Idaho law states regarding Domestic Violence. I found so much wrong with this, but if you find anything that you see problematic: Tell me!!

All in all this week was just SO FRUSTRATING!! How can we expect to get help when our own state seems to be against us, or at least doesn't protect everyone to the extent to which everybody deserves?!

See for yourself, the laws of Idaho.

(*note, for the idaho rape law I found it here:http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH61SECT18-6101.htm)

1) For the purpose of this section

(a) “Household member” means a person who is a spouse, former spouse, or a person who has a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or a person with whom a person is cohabiting, whether or not they have married or have held themselves out to be husband or wife.

(b) “Traumatic injury” means a condition of the body, such as a wound or external or internal injury, whether of a minor or serious nature, caused by physical force.

(2)(a) Any household member who in committing a battery, as defined in section 18-903, Idaho Code, inflicts a traumatic injury upon any other household member is guilty of a felony.

(b) A conviction of felony domestic battery is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed ten (10) years or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or by both fine and imprisonment.

(3)(a) A household member who commits an assault, as defined in section 18-901, Idaho Code, against another household member which does not result in traumatic injury is guilty of a misdemeanor domestic assault.

(b) A household member who commits a battery, as defined in section 18-903, Idaho Code, against another household member which does not result in traumatic injury is guilty of a misdemeanor domestic battery.

(c) A first conviction under this subsection (3) is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed six (6) months, or both. Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this subsection (3) who previously has pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of this subsection (3), or of any substantially conforming foreign criminal violation, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment, within ten (10) years of the first conviction, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a term not to exceed one (1) year or by a fine not exceeding two thousand dollars ($2,000) or by both fine and imprisonment. Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this subsection (3) who previously has pled guilty to or been found guilty of two (2) violations of this subsection (3), or of any substantially conforming foreign criminal violation or any combination thereof, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment, within fifteen (15) years of the first conviction, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed five (5) years or by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or by both fine and imprisonment.

(4) The maximum penalties provided in this section shall be doubled where the act of domestic assault or battery for which the person is convicted or pleads guilty took place in the presence of a child. For purposes of this section, “in the presence of a child” means in the physical presence of a child or knowing that a child is present and may see or hear an act of domestic assault or battery. For purposes of this section, “child” means a person under sixteen (16) years of age.

(5) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, any person who previously has pled guilty to or been found guilty of a felony violation of the provisions of this section or of any substantially conforming foreign criminal felony violation, notwithstanding the form of the judgment or withheld judgment, and who within fifteen (15) years pleads guilty to or is found guilty of any further violation of this section, shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed ten (10) years or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(6) For the purposes of this section, a substantially conforming foreign criminal violation exists when a person has pled guilty to or been found guilty of a violation of any federal law or law of another state, or any valid county, city or town ordinance of another state, substantially conforming with the provisions of this section. The determination of whether a foreign criminal violation is substantially conforming is a question of law to be determined by the court.

(7)(a) Any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this section shall undergo, at the person's own expense, an evaluation by a person, agency or organization approved by the court in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection to determine whether the defendant should be required to obtain aggression counseling or other appropriate treatment. Such evaluation shall be completed prior to the sentencing date if the court's list of approved evaluators, in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection, contains evaluators who are able to perform the evaluation prior to the sentencing dates. If the evaluation recommends counseling or other treatment, the evaluation shall recommend the type of counseling or treatment considered appropriate for the defendant, together with the estimated costs thereof, and shall recommend any other suitable alternative counseling or treatment programs, together with the estimated costs thereof. The defendant shall request that a copy of the completed evaluation be forwarded to the court. The court shall take the evaluation into consideration in determining an appropriate sentence. If a copy of the completed evaluation has not been provided to the court, the court may proceed to sentence the defendant; however, in such event, it shall be presumed that counseling is required unless the defendant makes a showing by a preponderance of evidence that counseling is not required. If the defendant has not made a good faith effort to provide the completed copy of the evaluation to the court, the court may consider the failure of the defendant to provide the report as an aggravating circumstance in determining an appropriate sentence. If counseling or other treatment is ordered, in no event shall the person, agency or organization doing the evaluation be the person, agency or organization that provides the counseling or other treatment unless this requirement is waived by the sentencing court, with the exception of federally recognized Indian tribes or federal military installations, where diagnosis and treatment are appropriate and available. Nothing herein contained shall preclude the use of funds authorized for court-ordered counseling or treatment pursuant to this section for indigent defendants as provided by law. In the event that funding is provided for or on behalf of the defendant by a governmental entity, the defendant shall be ordered to make restitution to such governmental entity in accordance with the restitution procedure for crime victims, as specified under chapter 53, title 19, Idaho Code.

(b) If the evaluation recommends counseling or other treatment, the court shall order the person to complete the counseling or other treatment in addition to any other sentence which may be imposed. If the court determines that counseling or treatment would be inappropriate or undesirable, the court shall enter findings articulating the reasons for such determination on the record. The court shall order the defendant to complete the preferred counseling or treatment program set forth in the evaluation, or a comparable alternative, unless it appears that the defendant cannot reasonably obtain adequate financial resources for such counseling or treatment. In that event, the court may order the defendant to complete a less costly alternative set forth in the evaluation or a comparable program. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed as requiring a court to order that counseling or treatment be provided at government expense unless otherwise required by law.

(c) Each judicial district shall by rule establish a uniform system for the qualification and approval of persons, agencies or organizations to perform the evaluations required in this subsection. Only qualified evaluators approved by the court shall be authorized to perform such evaluations. Funds to establish a system for approval of evaluators shall be derived from moneys designated therefor and deposited in the district court fund as provided in section 31-3201A(16), Idaho Code.

(d) Counseling or treatment ordered pursuant to this section shall be conducted according to standards established or approved by the Idaho council on domestic violence.










-Alex

Week 12: Elder Abuse and Abuse against Persons with Disabilities.

Wow.

This week we covered the chapter concerning Elder abuse and abuse against persons with disabilities. There was so much shoved into this chapter and was so emotionally overwhelming to read! I can't believe this topic actually gets shoved out of some classes, textbooks, and more! Anyway, since there is so much information in this chapter I'm going to cover just a few pointers that I found interesting. However, if any of you have questions leave me a comment, e-mail, or fb me and I'll find you an answer!

So the first thing that stands out to me about these two different kinds of abuse is that are probably one of the most underreported of all types of abuse. Elderly and those with disabilities (or both) who are being taken care of by family, friends, and even in residential centers, can be abused and go years (or more) without getting help. This is most likely because elderly and persons with disabilities rely on the people who are often their abusers. They are often kept in homes or places where they cannot escape easily or seek help. Children who are abused sometimes go to school or adults that are being abused sometimes have friends that might pick up on the signs of abuse. However, when you have no other ties to the outside world, who is going to help you? My heart fell through the floor when I read over this in the chapter. It's absolutely sickening and horrifying to be trapped by your abusers. What's worse is that these abusers are often caretakers. They are the ones that are helping these people out of bed (or not), feeding them (or not), and providing other necessary needs (or not).

Another form of underreporting abuse against the elderly and people with disabilities is economic abuse. Often times abusers will take social security checks and other financial aid that are supposed to support and help the elderly or those with disabilities. This is just another way to keep someone, who often times cannot help themselves, under control. It also takes away one mean of escape from a situation.

Tying back to GLBTQ issues heterosexism and homophobia can affect elderly and people with disabilities as well. Often times GLBTQ elders or those with disabilities go unnoticed or unassisted. Also, caretakers and abusers can threaten to out them if they do not comply to the caretaker or abusers demands (such as giving them money or something else).

Another thing that people don't often think about is sexual abuse against the elderly or those with disabilities. Not only are the elderly and those with disabilities at risk for rape, molestation and other forms of sexual abuse, they can also be filmed and photographed for pornographic websites. A huge legal issue is beginning to surround this in terms of consent. Often times those with disabilities or the elderly are unable to give consent. Even though there is so much wrong with these situations, this is one legal protection one might be able to seek.

I wanted to post some statistics and prevalence rates for these types of abuse. However, it is so underreported that are no good statistics on the subject. One way researchers were trying to get information on elder abuse specifically is through autopsy reports. However, elders often times never receive autopsies or a request for an autopsy to find signs of abuse. Instead, their secret lies with their abusers who keep their abuse hidden for years and years.

So that is what I found most important in this chapter. It is extremely depressing, and broad, and therefore hard to find much specific information on. Again, e-mail me, comment, or FB me if you have any questions or comments.

-Alex

CIB 4.5 - Feelings in a Nutshell

Here is what I thought about when I read my chapter for CIB #4. I almost chose this song for 3.5, since it dealt with families. I thought, however, that it would fit even better here since the victims have a happy ending in this song and I know some people will (and some might not) get their happy endings in their situation. EVERYONE deserves a happy ending, and even when it doesn't look like you might get it, keep hope y'all!! Keep pressing forward, keep yourself strong, ok? <3

Two Beds And a Coffee Machine"

and she takes another step

slowly she opens the door

check that he is sleeping

pick up all the broken glass

and furniture on the floor

been up half the night screaming

now it's time to get away

pack up the kids in the car

another bruise to try and hide

another alibi to write

another ditch in the road

you keep moving

another stop sign

you keep moving on

and the years go by so fast

wonder how I ever made it through

and there are children to think of

baby's asleep in the back seat

wonder how they'll ever make it

through this living nightmare

but the mind is an amazing thing

full of candy dreams and new toys

and another cheap hotel

two beds and a coffee machine

but there are groceries to buy

and she knows she'll have to go home

another ditch in the road

you keep moving 

another stop sign

you keep moving on

and the years go by so fast

wonder how I ever made it through

another bruise to try and hide 

another alibi to write

another lonely highway in the black of night

there's hope in the darkness

I know you're gonna make it

another ditch in the road

keep moving

another stop sign

you keep moving on

and the years go by so fast

silent fortress built to last

wonder how I ever made it 

CIB #4 (Last CIB post) :

In this last CIB we are going to talk about the issues surrounding Abusive Partners and seeking help. Often times people wonder how can a violent partner change? When will they change? And even more pressing: have they changed?

Bancroft lists a number of concerns with abusive partners in treatment. Sometimes abusive partners will use counseling and other therapies as leverage to control their partner. They may say something like “I won’t seek help unless you change too”. Sometimes an abusive partner thinks they might learn “non-abusive” ways of controlling or manipulating their partner (even though that again, is abuse). Sometimes change for an abusive partner is just another part of the third stage in the cycle of violence.

So what do we do?

There are many types of programs for perpetrators of domestic violence. From a undergrad psychologist perspective, different people work better in different treatments. However, a perpetrator of DV might not be able to choose what type of help they will seek if they are sent in on a court-order, or if some violent partners have it their way, they wouldn’t be seeking help to being with. So instead of listing off the numerous forms of counseling (I have a list, so if any of you are curious about a particular one, just ask!) I am going to go over a few pointers Bancroft has in his book for you to judge whether or not a program for DV perpetrators is working.

A treatment is most likely effective if:

(1) The treatment program contacts you, the victim, quickly after your abusive partner starts to get a history of behavior as well as provide you with services were you can seek help as a victim as well.

(2) They program gives you the real statics and facts. They should be sure to remind you that not everyone who goes through a treatment program get better, and that sometimes (as we have learned) get worse.

(3) The program should go over with you all the topics they will go over, the plan of action (in detail), and they should be focused on behavior issues surrounding abuse and attitudes surrounding abuse. A program should also provide you with information on your partners attendance, things of importance they said, etc. They should be helping you and your partner, not just your partner.

If a treatment program is not doing these things you might need to consider taking action for a different treatment program.  

This was what I thought was most important out of this chapter on abusive partners and treatment programs. I will cover this information and a little more on this video:

*Disclamer: In this vid I read an assessment from Bancroft's book. The terminology I use is really heteroscentric (since the book itself is heterocentric) but keep in mind that everything that I've talked about can apply to ANYONE who is experiencing violence. Also, I used air quotes to denote the title of the chapter.

For the peer-reviewed journal requirement, I found this article (DV Treatment Cons) That goes over reasons some treatments might not be effective. Bancroft covers a few points in his book, but this study goes into a little more detail.

As I said in the video, It is extremely important for perpetrators to receive treatment. It is also very important for victims to get treatment as well. So I provided these two sites for you all to use, or pass along to people you know, who are in an abusive situation.

For those of you from the University of Idaho, Moscow, Pullman, and the surrounding areas you can always contact Alternatives to Violence on the Palouse. (ATVP) if you or someone you know is dealing with abuse. Their website is: www.atvp.org

The Hotline (http://www.thehotline.org/) is a national domestic violence hotline. They are available 24/7 and are anonymous and confidential. If you or anyone you know is being abused and are not in the area for ATVP assistance, give these folks a call.

I hope you all learned some stuff from this post. If you all have any questions, comments, or concerns, I more than welcome your responses! E-mail them, comment here, or facebook me (if your on my friends list).

*Note: Next week I'll get back to writing the journals, so stay tuned!

Till next time,

-Alex


P.S.

I also have to post this Crossword Puzzle as part of the CIB blog.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ACROSS 1. The reasons and ideals that an abuser holds becomes his abuser ____. 5. Abuse and ____ are at the center of the DV wheel 7. The parenting style that leads children to do better in all areas such as school, self-esteem, etc. 8. The acronym for the DV hotline for folks that live near Moscow Idaho 9. These forms of help include friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances 10. These forms of help include Doctors, nurses, law enforcement, and shelters.

DOWN 2. Abusive parents tend to use this type of parenting style. 3. The three-letter acronym for the more inclusive term to "Domestic Violence" 4. ____IS NOT ABUSE 6. Is an understudied concept that can help people from falling into risk factors for DV.

Week 11: GLBTQ and IPV

So this week we are talking about GLBTQ and IPV. However, I've talked a lot about GLBTQ issues throughout these sections so if you are interested in the basic facts I suggest you look through my previous entries. In this section I will post about how the intersection between HIV and IPV and how heterosexism plays out in same-sex IPV.

So Same-Sex partners, like Two-Spirit partners, have an extra weapon that can be used agasint them in an IPV context: Heterosexism. Sometimes a violent partner will use the threat of outing their partner to keep them in the relationship. Now, some of you might be wondering how two people who are in a same-sex relationship are closeted. It does happen, however. When someone comes out they often loose things that are very important to them. Sometimes they loose family, friends, possessions, and in extreme cases, they can loose their life. Sometimes they're lucky like me, and don't loose anything, but everyone is different. So people might be in a same-sex relationship and still be closeted for many reasons. Violent partners can use this as leverage to keep abusing the victim. This DV wheel can explain it a little better than I can:

The next part of this that I want to tackle is the intersection between HIV and IPV. I looked up this fantastic article about a clinic that did a study on this topic because one of the target groups I want to work with in the future is people with HIV/AIDS. So I thought this information would definitely benefit me in my future. I don't want to go into helping someone with HIV/AIDS with my blinders on thinking that their only issues they may have is their positive status. So I'm tackling my own bias and blindness here.

Anyways, so this study was published in 2010 by AIDS care. It examined patients with HIV/AIDS that were both heterosexual, homosexual, and MSM's (Men Having Sex with Men). A quick side note: we use the term MSM because not all men who have sex with men identify as homosexual. Sexual orientation, like gender, is pretty fluid. It's not unheard of having a straight man having sex with a gay man or bi or transgendered person.

Anyways, the study showed that in this clinic about 73% of people said that they experienced IPV sometime in their life. 20% reported that they were currently being abused. of these folks, 85% experienced physical abuse.  30% of these folks interviewed perceived their abuse was due to their HIV status. That's pretty huge! Also the highest rates of IPV in participants with HIV/AIDS were among African Americans and MSM's. 

Also, my sister sent me an article about sero-discordant couples (couples where one partner is positive and the other is negative). The author commented on the power differences in that can play out. For example, sometimes a positive partner might feel undeserving of love, or too dependent on the negative partner. A violent partner could out them on their status, or even mess with their medication that can endanger their lives. There are horrible ways that violent partners can exploit their postive partners. On the other hand, positive partners can also threaten to infect their negative partners in a way to keep them in a violent relationship.

While this can and does happen, it is important to remember that not everyone with HIV/AIDS or their partners (negative or positive) are violent. However, for me (and for you folks!) it is important to know about, especially since I want to work with this group sometime in my near future.

So that's what I discovered and felt for this discussion this week!

If you want to find out more about the study above look up:  HIV and IPV

If you want to know more about sero-discordant couples and DV check out AskAlice: Sero-Discordant Couples

And always remember:

Week 10: Substance Use and DV

Hey all!
So this week we covered Substance Use and DV.
For this chapter we read "Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft.

Bancroft dispels a lot of myths about abusive men (specifically) and addiction. I'm going to go ahead and list the important myths Bancroft dispels and what research I found on this topic.

(1) Not all substance abusers are abusive partners.

This was something I never thought about. I used to have the bias that if you were a substance abuser you would be an IPV perpetrator. However, when Bancroft put it so poignantly, it makes SO much more sense! I mean, if all substance abusers were abusive partners, a lot of people I know would be victims and perpetrators of IPV. Granted, I know victims and perpetrators of IPV, and while some of them drink, other firends of mine who drink or substance abuse do not get violent with their partners. It's one of those famous "It Depends" situations that winds itself all through psychology and sociology philosophy.
The second myth was the flip side of this in that  not all abusive partners are substance abusers.
I came from a small town where I heard of people abusing substances and getting belligerent and abusive with their partners. This probably contributed to my once long standing bias.

(2) If they stop drinking/using they will stop abusing...

The answer is (usually) no. Drinking alone is not always enough to stop a person from abusing. Bancroft finds that often times perpetrators of IPV will have a "grace period" when they are getting sober, but then become violent (or more violent). However, she does find that perpetrators who focus on getting sober and work hard at working with their partners on their relationship to end the cycle of violence that they show more promising results. These things, as we have seen so far and will see in the future, are not always black and white. There are so many factors that play into IPV that it could be rarely one cause alone.

(3) They only abuse when they drink/use...

Bancroft writes that from her interviews with perpetrators of IPV that they many times are conscious of their intentions to hurt their partner and can be premeditated. Also, Bancroft finds that when a victim recounts the day-to-day routines with their abuser that their abuse is often not restrained to times when they are drinking. She finds that perpetrators use drinking/using as a reason or excuse to abuse. They would blame the drug/drink rather than themselves. This could contribute to them getting more violent when they drink/or use. Also there is a sort of placebo/labeling effect when someone drinks or uses. If you are telling someone or thinking that drinking/using is going to make you angry or violent, then you will more likely become angry or violent.

These were the three main myths or thoughts I wanted to tackle today because they lied in my own beliefs for the longest time, until now. I also tried to do some outside search but damned Ebsco doesn't have the full text to some of the great studies about GLBTQ substance use and abuse and the prevelance rates for IPV and Substance Use.

However, I did find an interesting study done in Canada using a self-report survey on women who use substances in IPV shelters. It turns out that they tend to show decreases rates of using during and after their stay in the shelter. The theory that surrounds this is that the support that the individual has can help them overcome their need for substances or help find alternatives to using.

I did also find another study, and I remember reading something similar to this in my Juvenile Delinquency class 2 years ago, about adolescents, IPV, and substance abuse. The researchers wanted to know if adolescents witness IPV if they would be more likley to be a substance user/abuser. Their study shows that there is statistically significant data that shows adolescent females are more likley to substance/use and abuse after witness IPV in their lives than adolescent boys. Note, this are just added risk factors and NOT causes. But an interesting study none-the-less.

All in all I found this week to be really insightful. I got to tackle long-held biases of my own. I feel that anyone, espeically going into the helping professions, should challenge themselves and make sure they are aware of their biases. It is important to know what kind of, for lack of a better word, baggage or way-of-thinking you're bringing to the counseling table. I'm glad I got mine out there, and I am also glad they are changed.

Anyways, till next week....