Signs and Symptoms Prior to Victimization/Incarceration

Although, a profile of persons who become victims of domestic violence, or those who become incarcerated, can not be conclusively determined, we can however, underline certain indicators, which put these persons at-risk, to fall into either category. These indicators, or contributing factors for the most part, tend to have common roots, which in time forge barriers, toward achieving happy and fulfilled lives. Most of these indicators are the result of low self-esteem, and insufficient life skills, resulting in lack of coping skills. Cultural and religious traditions can have a strong influence in how these persons act, or react when confronting situations, or their environment.

Reintroduction to Life/Parenting Skills

Having established the direct correlation between victims of domestic violence and persons incarcerated in correctional facilities; and cognizant of the fact that prolonged victimization or incarceration will clearly undermine, even void their life skills, private and public agencies must in earnest, institute a Life Skills Program for both groups. As an integral part of the rehabilitative continuum, this program will focus on bringing back, their perception of a comfortable and normal life. It will build resiliency of character, to deal with rejection and adaptation back into their communities. It will empower them with the necessary tools, to not only take back ownership of their lives and future, but also to look ahead with a renewed sense of optimism, resolve, and purpose. It will in fact, become, "A bridge over their troubled waters".

Continuum: Counseling and Therapy

As with all traumatic, life changing experiences, victims of domestic violence and incarcerated persons, must have access to counseling and therapy as soon as possible upon leaving the abusive situation or prison. This intervention must include children who witnessed abuse or were themselves abused, or children, who for years grew-up without their mothers or fathers, while they were in prison. Victim advocates must be very aggressive in their pursuit of resources to assist their clients, in this most critical phase of their lives.

Support Groups and Community Resources

Support Groups and Community Resources are an integral and critical part in the rehabilitation process of victims of domestic violence, and persons incarcerated in correctional facilities. The degree of success, or failure of this stage, will depend in great part, on the initiative and aggressiveness with which it is pursued and implemented. The ultimate objective must be for these individuals to become not just survivors, but winners, able and equipped to assist others, by preventing them from falling in the same trap of becoming victims of domestic violence, or incarcerated.

The important role of family members, and close acquaintances in the overall rehabilitative process of these individuals is critical. This process must include continuous moral and psychological support. Material support may also be needed in most cases, which can include food, clothing, housing, job training, or employment.

If these individuals are not afforded these supports, the looming specter of institutionalization may draw them back to their previous situations. A victim of domestic violence will either go back to their former abuser, or fall into another abusive relationship; or a former inmate will in time, purposely commit a crime in order to go back to prison. After all, they may have grown accustomed to those environments, or feel that they do not deserve anything better.

* Presented at the National Organization for Victims Assistance (NOVA) Conference in Miami Beach, Florida on August, 2000.
 

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